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More darts! Yes, after a heartbreaking Players Championship, now the Premier League Darts is back for 2011 and it’s apparently better than ever. I won’t argue, as I think this is the strongest line-up assembled for the Premier League Darts, with newcomers and old-hands ready to do battle.
We’ll have tips for every week of the Premier League Darts and I can recommend that you get yourself along to the action if you can, as there is nothing like a night watching Premier League Darts in the company of several thousand other darts fans.
If you want a free bet during the Premier League Darts season, head on over to Betfair, where not only will you get a free bet of up to £25, you’ll have the betting experience of your life.
Free £25 bet @ Betfair.
Phil Taylor vs Adrian Lewis.
The 2011 World Champion takes on the greatest darts player of all time and the Players Championship winner. Adrian Lewis takes on his teacher, Phil Taylor in the opening match of the 2011 Premier League. Lewis had a short run at the Players Championship, getting knocked out by Steve Beaton in the first round, while Taylor went on to win the whole thing.
To be honest, this kind of format doesn’t seem to suit Lewis as much as it does other players and that was evident in Doncaster. Taylor looks back to some kind of decent form and wasn’t really pushed until the final, whre Gary Anderson will feel a bit unlucky not to have won. Still, we know this format suits Taylor and I think he’s going to open his Premier League Darts account in style.
Phil Taylor to beat Adrian Lewis 7/10 @ Betfair.
Recommend: 3 units.
James Wade vs Mark Webster.
A battle of the left-hand look-a-likes. James Wade, who is somewhat out of form, takes on a man who’s playing reasonably well, Mark Webster. Wade seems to be having some trouble ever since his epic defeat in the Grand Slam of Darts Final seems to be troubling him. Mark Webster, on the other hand, has been playing well and took care of Phil Taylor at the World Championships. I don’t see any reason why Webster can’t make be successful on his Premier League debut and the price is one of the nicest ones we’ll see all night.
Mark Webster to beat James Wade 6/4 @ Betfair.
Recommend: 2 units.
Gary Anderson vs Simon Whitlock.
The man of the moment, Gary Anderson, makes his Premier League bow against a man I personally thought was going to go well in Doncaster, Simon Whitlock. Whitlock seems to be having confidence issues, while Anderson just seems to be coping with everything put in front of him. i don’t think he’ll be troubled by first night nerves and the fact he’s now making serious money means he’s screwed the head a bit.
Speaking of heads, Whitlock’s just doesn’t seem to be right and I can see Anderson, if he gets off to a quick start, running away with this one with his relentless scoring. Whitlock will have to rely on his top-class doubling to try and keep in this and if he starts to stutter like he did against Mervyn King, Anderson will win easily.
Gary Anderson to beat Simon Whitlock 23/20 @ Betfair.
Recommend: 2 units.
Raymond van Barneveld vs Terry Jenkins.
Raymond van Barneveld put his feet up over the weekend, as he hadn’t qualified for the Players Championship. Terry Jenkins, on the other hand, got knocked out in a great battle with Mervyn King, after playing some solid darts.
To be honest, I can’t get a handle on this game, as i just don’t know what Barney will turn up. He’s played some great darts recently, then played shocking darts at other times. It’s essentially the same deal with Jenkins. Jenkins will be consistent with his scoring, but if the Jenkins who hates to hit a double turns up, it could be a long, long night. I think the bookies have this one right, unlike the other three matches and even the total legs market doesn’t appeal, as although I can see more than 12 legs, it really could be 8-1 to either man should they feel like it and the other doesn’t.
Recommend: No bet.
And that’s it for the first night of Premier League Darts action. Hopefully the crowd in the O2 in London will appreciate what a fantastic night of darts they’re going to have. Remember, if yuo’re not going, put on Sky Sports, get your feet up and enjoy the action. Happy betting!
