OUR Darts man Micheal Day (@daisy8ball) is keeping things simple on Thursday night and focussing on one game.
Michael Van Gerwen v Gary Anderson | Thursday 21:00 | Sky Sports 1
You know the proverb ‘make hay while the sun shines’? Well I’m applying that to my preview of this week's Premier League Darts in Liverpool.
There are so many big games here…Peter Wright v Ray Van Barneveld (both pointless so far), Dave Chisnall v James Wade (both unbeaten) and Phil Taylor against the home city hero of Stephen Bunting.
But one clash stands out from the rest, and rightly so – Michael Van Gerwen v Gary Anderson, or in other words; the World Number 1 v the World Champion.
I could wax lyrical about the rivalry of these two powerhouses, but frankly I don’t think my keyboard could take it! Basically, since the Scotsman defeated MVG at the semi-final stage of the World Championship on January 3rd to dispose him of his world crown, the ‘green machine’ has gone into overdrive…big time.
That bitter defeat was a catalyst, as the Dutchman has gone on a streak winning 31 out of 32 matches, last weekend bulking those amazing figures even more by winning a big European tour event in Germany. He also beat Anderson in an astonishing final, which will surely go down in history as one of the greatest matches EVER played.
Van Gerwen won 6-2, hit four 180’s, took checkouts of 167 and 151, and compiled a mind boggling 117.94 average. Anderson was also in blistering form nearly averaging 104, and firing in 5 maximum scores….but somehow ended up losing.
These two are the best players in the world at the moment; no question – and they don’t seem to be relinquishing their form anytime soon. Both also sit joint top of the league having gained maximum points from the opening two weeks.
On the head to head count though, it’s 16-8 to Van Gerwen, a dominating relevance over a career. Both players traded wins in last year's league phase, although Mighty Mike would have the last laugh when eliminating his opponent in the semi-final play-offs.
There are so many betting opportunities in this match, but I think the even money pricing of Van Gerwen winning the match with BetVictor is very fair indeed, considering past encounters and current form.
I’ll also plump with the 13/8 quoting from Coral that this match will have the most 180’s of the evening. Expect huge scoring in this one, and looking at the other match ups, this pair have the best potential. The pair are favourites to top the overall 180’s market for the entire season.
Lastly I’m going to nibble at the Over 104.5 checkout carrot at 16/19 with 888sport. It’s a very reasonable asking figure considering that leaves us with a number of chances, as you can hit a single in the combination. This match definitely has the ingredients to fulfil that bet – both have already registered outs this season of 145, 138, 126, 124 and 121 between them.
I really hope this match lives up to the hype and billing, both players are arguably in the form of their lives. They’ll probably egg each other on, which can only be good for these selections.
Best Bets
Michael Van Gerwen v Gary Anderson – Michael Van Gerwen to win (Evens BetVictor)
Michael Van Gerwen v Gary Anderson To Have Most Week 3 180's (13/8 Coral)
Michael Van Gerwen v Gary Anderson – Over 119.5 Checkout (5/6 Betway)
