Follow @SBTSportBetting [Get Exclusive Tips on our Patreon, Ad-Free]
Premier League Darts 2014 Week One Premium Picks.
Thank you for subscribing to the 2014 Premier League Darts Premium Picks. You’ll receive Premium Picks for every week of the Premier League Darts season, starting tonight. This season has seen a huge shake-up, and with only 4 guaranteed spots, there was always going to be a lot of competition for the places. The big news was James Wade not getting a wild card – Barry Hearn cited Wade’s personal problems and said he wanted to lighten the load on The Machine. Of course, Wade came out and said it was basically nonsense and that he was fit to play. Gary Anderson, 17th in the Order of Merit, got an invite yet again, and Raymond van Barneveld was another controversial pick, with Andy Hamilton losing out and Dave Chisnall and Peter Wright step in to replace Wade and Hamilton. So, the biggest and possibly most open Premier League Darts season starts here and it starts tonight.
Dave Chisnall vs Robert Thornton.
A huge night for Dave Chisnall, his debut in the Premier League, and he takes on a tough customer in Robert Thornton. Thornton had a good Premier League last year, and he’s playing some good darts as of late. Chisnall’s form has been in and out, while Thornton remains a model of consistency. Add in Thornton’s Premier League experience, and it might not be the best debut for Chisnall.
Robert Thornton to beat Dave Chisnall Best price 7/5 (Boylesports)
Recommend: 2 units.
Phil Taylor vs Michael van Gerwen.
A quick rematch of the 2013 Premier League Final, and it’s World Number 1 against World Number 2. And we also have the current World Champion gracing our presence. Of course, it’s Michael van Gerwen that’s taking all the plaudits. Phil Taylor’s trying out new darts tonight, while Michael van Gerwen is coming off a 6-5 defeat the hands of Jelle Klaasen in the German Masters. For me, Taylor is the value. MvG has done the travelling to and from Germany, while Taylor has been practising since his early defeat at the World Championship. The Power has something to prove, and he’s done it all before.
Phil Taylor to beat Michael van Gerwen Best price 11/8 (Various)
Recommend: 2 units.
Raymond van Barneveld vs Gary Anderson.
The two controversial names in this year’s Premier League face off, and it’s two men who have a lot to prove. Barney’s been in a steady decline, while Anderson is regaining some form, even if his 180 scoring hasn’t been his usual best. Anderson won the German Masters, he’s going to be confident, but Barney played some great darts last weekend, too. Barney’s throwing solid darts, though, and his 180 scoring is solid, while Anderson has been way off what we’re used to. Barney’s the value to score the most 180s here, as Anderson has been far more solid on the 140s as of late.
Raymond van Barneveld to score more 180s than Gary Anderson Best price 5/4 (Paddy Power)
Recommend: 2 units.
Peter Wright vs Wes Newton.
The night’s other debutant is the World Championship runner-up, Peter Wright. Newton was last year’s disappointment, and, for me, he was a surprise inclusion for this year’s Premier League. I think after a few weeks, Wright would have been the play here, but his nerves are an unknown variable, much like Chisnall, and he also didn’t have a great German Masters, so while he should beat Newton, we’re going to play on the highest checkout, simply because I think we’re going to get a lot of legs, and both men are good on the big combination finishes.
Highest checkout in Wright vs Newton match over 120.5 Best price 5/6 (Various)
Recommend: 3 units.
Simon Whitlock vs Adrian Lewis.
Like most Premier League matches, it’s a battle of the big guns. The thing that sticks out for me here is Adrian Lewis’ early season form for the past few years. It always seems that after the World Championship, Lewis struggles for form. Lewis lost in the 3rd round of the German Masters to Raymond van Barneveld 6-2, Whitlock didn’t play, which might just give him the edge if he’s been hitting the practice board. Lewis has a lot to prove here, as his early season troubles might just be his undoing here. The Aussie is far too big, as I see this more of a coin-flip.
Simon Whitlock to beat Adrian Lewis: Best price 9/4 (SkyBet)
Recommend: 2 units.
That’s it for the first week of the 2014 Premier League Darts season. We’ll be back next week with more Premium Picks.
