Premier League Darts: week one match betting previews, analysis and free tips

Free darts tips, best bets and analysis for the opening matches of the Premier League darts.

Where to watch

Live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm, Thursday

Just a few weeks after clashing in the final of the world championship Michael van Gerwen and his conqueror Peter Wright renew their rivalry on the opening night of the 2020 Premier League in Aberdeen.

Mighty Mike, a 4-11 loser when crashing 7-3 to Snakebite on New Year’s Day, is around the even-money mark to get his revenge in front of a crowd who will be right behind the new world champ.

Aberdeen also welcomes Gary Anderson back to the Premier League after he missed out last year through injury. But the biggest cheer of the evening will be for hometown hero John Henderson, the first of nine contenders over the next nine weeks being offered the opportunity to take down one of the top names. He plays debutant Nathan Aspinall.

Michael Smith v Glen Durrant

Head-to-head: Smith leads 3-2

Best bet

M Smith
1pt 11-8 Betfair

Michael Smith kicked off his new campaign with an impressive run to the Ladbrokes Masters final and can carry on where he left off in Milton Keynes by beating new boy Glen Durrant.

Smith looked silky smooth overpowering Mensur Suljovic and Adrian Lewis before showing real grit to pip Nathan Aspinall. He then missed match darts against Peter Wright in the final for yet another near-miss in a major showpiece.

Smith and Durrant both had wins against each other on TV last year although it’s hard to know what to expect from Duzza on his Premier League debut.

Gary Anderson v Daryl Gurney

H2H: 8-8

Best bet

G Anderson
1pt 11-10 general

Gary Anderson and Daryl Gurney aren’t the best of darting pals - remember Mumblegate at the 2018 Grand Prix? - which adds a welcome dash of needle to their league opener.

How Gurney deals with a partisan crowd as much as the man he’s sharing the oche with may well determine the outcome of this one.

Superchin was battered 7-0 by James Wade in Aberdeen last year, albeit at a different venue, although he did go on to reach the semis.

He fell at the first at the Masters last weekend when Anderson reached the semis following a stunning 10-2 demolition of Gerwyn Price. If Anderson really is getting back to his best, then 11-10 about the twice champion might be a decent bet.

Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright

H2H: Van Gerwen leads 59-18

Best bet

P Wright draw no bet
2pts 13-8 Sky Bet

Michael van Gerwen had a point to prove at last week’s Masters and blew it so he’ll be absolutely champing at the bit to put two points on the board and Peter Wright in his place.

The problem is, Snakebite is throwing out of his skin at the moment following up that dismantling of Mighty Mike at the Palace by lording it in Milton Keynes at the weekend.

And Van Gerwen was off colour at the worlds and again as he crashed to Jonny Clayton in round one of the Masters. He’s moved darts manufacturer and is therefore chucking new hardware so consistency is going to be an issue.

And while that’s the case, he’s got to be worth opposing when his opponent happens to be the world and Masters champ, in the form of his life and big odds.

Nathan Aspinall v John Henderson

H2H: Henderson leads 1-0

On any normal night The Asp would probably be worth backing nine times out of ten to have too much for John Henderson. This, though, is anything but a normal night.

Aberdeen will be rocking for the entrance of their home hero, who is the first of nine contenders making up the numbers in this year’s event.

Hendo was handed contender status in the same city (different venue) last year and loved it. He produced some quality darts and held Michael van Gerwen to a 6-6 draw. The Scot hit five more 180s and had more chances at doubles. The crowd were a massive factor and will be again.

Aspinall could well make the playoffs this year because he’s throwing that well but this doesn't look a game – his very first in the Premier League – to be lumping on.

Gerwyn Price v Rob Cross

H2H: 6-6

Best bet

G Price
2pts 21-20 Betfred

Rob Cross’s woes continued in Milton Keynes, where he averaged just 84 in a dispiriting first-round Masters defeat at the hands of Adrian Lewis.

Gerwyn Price went only a round further but over the last 12 months the Welshman has been by far the better and more confident player.

While Voltage continues to short-circuit, Gezzy ought to get the nod.

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