The Darts Masters has been run and won by Michael van Gerwen, now the best players in the world focus on the Premier League. The 16-week competition kicks off this week and we have taken a look at the best futures betting options for the tournament. Last year the tournament went to Michael van. Gerwen in a thrilling 11-10 final over Peter Wright, who looked to have it won, but there’s some doubt as to whether the Dutchman can repeat those efforts.
Despite winning the Darts Masters this week, Michael van Gerwen hasn’t been as well backed as the likes of 2018 World Darts Champion Rob Cross. He adds a new dynamic to the Premier League after the departure of Phil Taylor and Cross is set to bring some excitement.
Premier League winning tip: Michael van Gerwen
It should come as no surprise that we’re picking Michael van Gerwen – the man wins most tournaments he enters. Coming off a strong victory over Robert van Barneveld in the Darts Masters, van Gerwen is full of confidence and his ability to become repeat champion in tournaments is uncanny.
He might not have won the World Championships, but MvG doesn’t dwell on the past too often and we think his current odds of 4/5 at Betway is good value. Bettors have had little stress in backing van Gerwen at better than odds-on in the past and this tournament plays to his strengths. He doesn’t need a lot of time to get warmed up and the weekly schedule is ideal for the young superstar. Pressure is no issue for the current favourite and his odds are only going to shorten as the Premier League progresses.
Premier League Darts next best tip: Gary Anderson
Scotland’s Gary Anderson might be down on confidence after a lack of recent tournament success but rule him out at your peril. Anderson is a two-time winner (2011, 2015) and he knows what it takes to play consistently throughout the lengthy schedule.
The former World Champion hasn’t been hitting the treble 20 as much as he would have liked this season, but he’s capable of turning that around and he just needs to regain his focus. Knowing Anderson, he won’t be content with just taking part this year and his fellow competitors should be weary of the experienced customer. Bookmakers have Anderson as an 11/2 chance, which is great value and he should at least make the finals and give bettors a good sight.
Premier League Darts upset tip: Peter Wright
8/1 for a quality player such as Peter “Snakebite” Wright is good value on offer from bookmakers. The Scot was beaten by Michael van Gerwen in last year’s Premier League final and he should have taken the match, but the pressure was all too much for the emotional player. Has Wright gotten over his mental demons? We’re unsure, but he’s an enigmatic player who can beat the best in the world on any given day. We’re comfortable in thinking that Wright can beat the likes of Daryl Gurney, Michael Smith and Simon Whitlock with ease, but it will come to crunch time when he has to face the top-seeded players in the Premier League.
2018 Premier League Darts schedule
Night One – February 1, 3Arena Dublin
Night Two – February 8, Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
Night Three – February 15, Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
Night Four – February 22, Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin
Night Five – March 1, Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Night Six – March 8, First Direct Arena, Leeds
Night Seven – March 15, Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
Night Eight – March 22, The SSE Hydro, Glasgow
Night Nine – March 29, The SSE Arena, Belfast
Night Ten – April 5, Echo Arena, Liverpool
Night 11 – April 12, The FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield
Night 12 – April 19, Rotterdam Ahoy
Night 13 – April 26, The Manchester Arena
Night 14 – May 3, Arena Birmingham
Night 15 – May 10, The BHGE Arena, Aberdeen
Play-Offs – May 17, The O2, London