Peter Wright v Michael Smith
We do have an extremely recent example of how this game could go. They played each other on Saturday and were involved in a right old ding dong battle which resulted in a 6-5 victory for Wright. The averages were monstrous, there were stacks of big scores and big finishes, so if they can replicate that, we could start Glasgow very well indeed. I get the feeling that if Smith was to average 112 again here, he wouldn’t lose, but the same could be said for Wright’s 110.
They will both feel fine about last week’s performances in Newcastle, even though they both didn’t pick up two points. Wright missing one dart for the match against Cross and having to settle for a draw and Smith challenging MVG but not getting anything. Their energy levels looked good and they both threw well.
This one could be really close and the draw will be a popular choice.
Rob Cross v James Wade
Rob Cross looked reinvigorated in week one, and even though he didn’t get both points in the game against Snakebite, he will be buoyed by the fact he had his chance to sneak a point and didn’t need asking twice. He looked sharp, refreshed and ready, and that is exactly what he told the media last week. I think Cross is ready to fire, and some of his performances since last Thursday have been very encouraging also, even though he didn’t go massively deep in Wigan.
Wade did exactly what I thought he would do last Thursday. He sparkled being back on that PL stage and looked really comfortable. I think that will continue this week in Glesga (as they say locally). He played some steady darts at the weekend in Wigan, but didn’t play well enough to make headlines.
On the other hand, Cross played much better statistically and matter of fact. He put in some big numbers and made people believe that he is back on his game, and for me this is why he has to be a marginal favourite in this game.
Raymond van Barneveld v Gerwyn Price
THE talking point of Newcastle was Gerwyn Price, and it wasn’t about his fine from the DRA or his tendency to rattle other players. He was simply sublime on the board and proved why he is worthy of holding that Eric Bristow trophy right now. His scoring against Gurney was immaculate, especially in the first few legs, and he was rampant when successful in finishing legs. He showed no signs of wilting to the DRA’s wishes by settling down, and cowering fron the booing fans, because they all kept quiet when he put in that performance. It will be some test of his spirit in Glasgow though, when he plays a massively popular RVB, especially when they are starved of Gary Anderson.
Loved it tonight what a great atmosphere glad I held myself together, looking forward to Glasgow next week #premierleague
— Gerwyn Price (@Gezzyprice) February 7, 2019
RVB will test Price, but he will have to up the ante with his overall game from the past 7 days if he is to get a result. His scoring against Wade was good and he found himself in the box seat at 4-3, but Wade took all the scraps from there to get the two points. Playing late in the night is a big thing for RVB as he struggles to perform as the moonlight hits the top of the arena, so being middle game here might suit him a little better and if he can feed off the fans he might just get off the mark in the points race, but after last week you have to think Gezzy will have lots of confidence in the tank.
Daryl Gurney v Glen Durrant
I can’t wait to watch contender number 2 hit this year’s PL. How will Glasgow greet the 3 x Lakeside champion and welcome him to the SSE Hydro? I sincerely hope they give him a rousing reception, one that echoes what Chris Dobey got last week.
Glen will be buoyed that in only his second start in a PDC pro tour event, he made the final and only just missed out on the title because of the brilliance of Dave Chisnall on Sunday. His confidence will be bubbling, and Daryl Gurney will feel like he has been gifted the real nasty contender of the 9, playing against the seasoned champ that Glen is.
Three times BDO world champion. Over 40 titles.
Glen Durrant knows how to win.Duzza will make his debut at the Premier League tomorrow, replacing Gary Anderson. How will the „freshman“ cope with the new challenge after joining the PDC just a few weeks ago? pic.twitter.com/JZZQSTg5Mg
— PDC Europe (@PDCEurope) February 13, 2019
Daryl’s first dart against Gezzy in week 1 was excellent but his second constantly dropped short resulting in a display that didn’t live up to his usual scoring prowess. Gezzy certainly had the wood on Gurney and now Daryl has to bounce back. Maybe playing Glen will allow him to relax because I feel the pressure is on Durrant to put on a show here with his CV. This is a tough one to call, which may result in a draw, something Gurney knows all about from last year’s PL campaign, when he was involved in a total of 8 level matches.
Mensur Suljovic v MVG
MVG started his PL in truly brilliant style with a classy performance against Bully Boy. He continued that level with a win at Players Championship 1 on Saturday in Wigan. He has to go into this game as a huge favourite, not only because of his ranking, form and consistency but because Suljovic hasn’t thrown a competitive dart since his draw with Chris Dobey in Newcastle.
Suljovic missing the weekend’s tour events isn’t a surprise as he prioritises PL over UK-based ranking events, and he feels this is his best chance of staying the course. However, against MVG in Glasgow I don't think anything will stop the man in green.
It took a magnificent game from Jonny Clayton to stop Michael’s unbeaten run in 2019 on Sunday, and even though Mighty Mike threw yet another streamed 9-darter against him, The Ferret got him snared. It will do nothing but agitate MVG though and make him even more aware of what he will need to do come last game Thursday.
UniBets of the night
33/1 for MVG to get a 9-darter here is very appealing considering his form and confidence.
4/1 for Price and RVB to be drawn on the 180 count is accurate in my opinion.
Over 95.5 checkout for Wade at 17/20 is very bright.
