Premier League Darts Week 9 Preview

This week’s fixtures (player on the left will throw first):

• van Gerwen v Wade
• Taylor v Chisnall
• Bunting v Huybrechts
• Lewis v Wright
• Anderson v van Barneveld

After eight weeks of play in the Betway Premier League, Judgement Night has arrived and five players are at risk of relegation in Manchester.

Kim Huybrechts looks certain to face the drop with just three points to his name and is two points behind the under-performing pair of Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld.

Stephen Bunting and Peter Wright are also in danger of dropping into the bottom two, but they both have six points so are less likely to face an early exit from the tournament.

Last week there were strong wins for the top three Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Dave Chisnall whilst James Wade moved into fourth place after a 7-3 win over Wright. Phil Taylor was also victorious in Dublin after defeating Huybrechts 7-4.

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After Thursday night’s fixtures, just eight men will be left to fight for a top-four place and the chance to make finals night at The O2 in London in May.

Michael van Gerwen v James Wade

First up at The Manchester Arena the world number one looks to continue his unbeaten start. A 7-2 triumph over fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld means that van Gerwen has now won six of his last eight games in the Premier League. The Green Machine has been in tremendous form this year and recorded an incredible 108.7 average in Dublin, hitting seven 180s. It will take an almighty effort from James Wade to inflict van Gerwen’s first defeat of the campaign.

After an edgy victory over Wright in Dublin, James Wade is now unbeaten in his last three outings, winning twice. The Machine has narrowly overtaken Phil Taylor in the league, albeit on leg difference, and will fancy his chances of making the playoffs. This week though the 2009 champion faces a difficult task when he tries to stop the league leader.

Phil Taylor v Dave Chisnall

The Power defeated Huybrechts at the 3Arena with an impressive average of 104 to remain on course for a top-four spot. Taylor admitted that it was a nervy performance and he remains five points behind van Gerwen, after losing two of his last three games. Fifth-placed Dave Chisnall should provide a tough challenge for the 16-time world champion.

Taylor and Chisnall played out a thrilling match in last November’s Grand Slam final, where Taylor defeated Chizzy 16-13. As one of the early favourites for relegation, Dave Chisnall has consistently proved the doubters wrong this year. The St Helens man was a slight underdog against Adrian Lewis last week but thrashed his opponent 7-2, hitting four 180s and an average of just over 100. Also, Chisnall landed half of his 14 attempts at a double so he could claim another upset against Taylor if he replicates his strong form.

Stephen Bunting v Kim Huybrechts

Stephen Bunting may be the most relaxed of the relegation candidates. The Bullet requires just two legs to ensure he avoids finishing in the bottom two after week nine. The former BDO world champion is beginning to find his feet after two wins and a draw from his last four matches. Bunting started well in Dublin but faltered to a 7-4 loss to Gary Anderson.

Kim Huybrechts can be proud of his efforts in his debut Premier League but his record of six games lost has left him rooted to the bottom of the table. The chance of a great escape is out of his hands. The Belgian must defeat Bunting and pray that both Lewis and Barney lose by enough legs so that he can overcome the pair on leg difference.

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Adrian Lewis v Peter Wright

This clash looks set to be a very tense affair with both players at risk of departing from the Premier League at the halfway stage. Adrian Lewis has just one victory to his name, from the opening night win back in February, which is remarkable for a man of his talent but Lewis has lacked urgency in his play. Last week’s heavy defeat to Chisnall has left Jackpot fighting for survival but a win over Wright will ensure he is safe. Should Lewis earn only a point from the game, then he will need van Barneveld to lose.

Peter Wright has also only won once in eight games and sits a point above Lewis. A draw or a win will see the Scot avoid elimination however a loss may suffice, assuming van Barneveld loses in the final game in Manchester.

Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld

The world champion looks on course for a playoff spot after battling back from 4-3 down in last week’s encounter with Stephen Bunting. Anderson has now won three games on the trot, which is bad news for Thursday’s opponent van Barneveld. The reigning champion has been disappointing this season. Assuming Huybrechts fails to win, Barney must do better than fellow-struggler Adrian Lewis to make the cut