It’s now or never for Barney to step it up in Belfast
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The Premier League darts fraternity heads to Northern Ireland this evening, and for 2014 champion Raymond van Barneveld, time is running out to make the semi-finals.
The Dutchman plays twice tonight, and with a six-point deficit to make up in the remaining five matches, Barney has a big chance to make inroads tonight.
Robert Thornton is also on the oche twice this evening, but with the Scot nine points off the top four, his tournament will almost certainly end in Rotterdam next month.
But for Barney it’s still all to play for, though he’ll need to bring his best form, with his first match pitching him against old foe Phil Taylor.
The Power sits three points clear at the top of the table, and is unbeaten since a 7-2 thrashing by Barney on the opening night.
The pair have shared the last 10 meetings however, and Taylor is in fine form. It’s 10/3 that Barney gets his night off with two crucial points, while it’s 8/15 for the Power to further dent his opponent’s hopes of progression.
Thornton opens proceedings though against Peter Wright in a Scottish derby, with the Thorn 10/3 for victory and Snakebite priced at 8/15.
Following Barney v Taylor, James Wade takes on Adrian Lewis, with both men tied on 13 points.
The Machine hasn’t won either of his last two matches, while Jackport is unbeaten in three weeks.
Then we’re set for a cracker as Michael van Gerwen takes on reigning Premier League and World champion Gary Anderson.
Both men currently occupy a top-four spot, but for all his magic on the oche, Mighty Mike has drawn each of his last three matches.
MvG is 4/7 to repeat his second-week victory over the Flying Scotsman, while Anderson is 3/1 to pile some more pressure on the Dutchman.
Then the finale sees Barney and Thornton return, with the Scot possibly mathematically out of contention by this point. Barneveld is 5/6 to end the night with victory, while the Thorn is 9/4.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
