Although the play-off positions have all been confirmed heading into this final round of ‘regular’ fixtures for Premier League Darts 2015, there is still the small matter of who will top the table and a tussle between the remaining – admittedly relatively irrelevant – positions.
Michael van Gerwen, Dave Chisnall, Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld are all set to battle it out in the play-offs at The O2 in London next week for the grand title. But there is a notable absentee in Phil Taylor, who will miss out in the Premier League Darts play-offs for the first time in the competitions 11-year history. If nothing else, his absence really shows the progress the profession of darts has made over the past five years or so.
And so, onto the Brighton Centre on the south coast for what will be a slightly disappointing finale to the regular season for spectators – although I’m surely they’ll be suitably entertained regardless.
Phil Taylor v James Wade
In a disappointing end to the tournament for Phil Taylor, he must battle it out with James Wade to avoid slipping even further down the Premier League table.
It’s been a miserable campaign for The Power, who has won just five of his 15 fixtures – and just one of his last seven. Is this really the end for Taylor?
James Wade is well out of form too, and hasn’t won since relegation week – but will there be a silver lining for Taylor?
Verdict: Phil Taylor win – 4/5 at bet365
Adrian Lewis v Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis recorded an impressive victory over Michael van Gerwen last week to move him up to fifth-place in the table, but, with results going against him later in the evening, it wasn’t enough to keep him in contention for the play-offs.
Gary Anderson has his play-off position assured, meanwhile, but he’ll hope to keep hold of third-place in order to avoid a likely semi-final encounter with MVG in London next week. He can secure his position with a win here or hope that Barney doesn’t better his result.
Verdict: Draw – 19/5 at 888sport
Raymond van Barneveld v Stephen Bunting
Barney’s stunning five-match winning streak came to an unlikely halt last week as James Wade held him to a draw in Newcastle. With Taylor being beaten by Anderson, it turned out to be enough for the Dutchman to claim a play-off position, though.
Facing him is Stephen Bunting who has enjoyed a decent first year in Premier League Darts, although one that won’t see him finish higher than sixth.
Verdict: Raymond van Barneveld win – 10/11 at William Hill
Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall
The night rounds off in style as Mighty Mike faces an unlikely challenger for top position in Dave Chisnall. It’s a case of winner takes all in this encounter – with the victor finishing top of the table – although MVG will stay top with a draw.
Michael van Gerwen has topped the last two Premier League Darts league tables, but can he finish top again with an unlikely challenger in second-place Chisnall hot on his tail?
Verdict: Michael van Gerwen win – 8/13 at Paddy Power
