Luke Littler collected the UK Open trophy after beating James Wade 11-2 in Sunday’s final but there’s no break for the world champion, who will be back in Premier League action on Thursday night.
The Nuke looked almost unstoppable on his way to glory in Minehead and Chris Dobey has the unenviable task of trying to upset the 18-year-old in Brighton.
We have a selection in each of Week Five’s last-eight matches.
talkSPORT BET welcome offer – Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets
Gerwyn Price to beat Michael van Gerwen @ Evs
Michael van Gerwen has shown glimpses of his brilliant best in recent months, but there have also been a whole host of pretty poor performances.
MVG could only average 92.88 when losing 6-5 to Rob Cross in the Premier League last week, and while that isn’t an awful standard, it’s not enough to win on a consistent basis in top-level darts.
Mighty Mike was beaten by Robert Owen, who is down at number 57 in the PDC rankings, in the UK Open last week and there have been too many disappointing efforts and results for both the Dutchman’s liking or for punters to trust him.
Gerwyn Price appears to be working back towards his peak and the Iceman took down the Week Three Premier League prize in Dublin.
At even-money, the Welshman looks the bet on the south coast.
Luke Littler -2.5 legs v Chris Dobey @ 10/11
Littler will be brimming with confidence after taking the UK Open crown on Sunday and the Nuke is a destructive and dangerous performer.
Dobey has failed to win a single match in the last three weeks of Premier League action, and while Hollywood is certainly a talented performer, the Bedlington arrowsmith is unlikely to trouble Littler.
The Nuke can be backed at 10/11 giving Dobey a 2.5-leg start and that looks the best way to back the world champion.
Over 9.5 legs in Luke Humphries v Rob Cross @ 6/5
Luke Humphries beat Ryan Searle 10-0 and Ryan Joyce 10-2 at the UK Open last week and Cool Hand Luke appeared to be heading for the Butlin’s final.
However, the Newbury arrowsmith was derailed by James Wade in the semi-finals, but Humphries averaged 102 in that 10-9 defeat and there was little issue with the performance.
Cross was beaten 6-5 by Humphries in the semi-finals of Night Four in Exeter and a similar scoreline between two well-matched rivals could follow in Brighton.
Stephen Bunting to beat Nathan Aspainall @ 4/6
Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall complete Brighton’s last-eight action and the Bullet can collect his first win of the Premier League campaign on the south coast.
The Asp’s current performance levels fluctuate pretty drastically and it’s tricky to know what version of the Stockport man will show up in Brighton.
Aspinall certainly doesn’t look like a progressive performer and he could be vulnerable against the ever-dangerous Bunting.
talkSPORT BET welcome offer – Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets
Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change
18+ New Customers Only. Opt in, bet £10+ on any darts at odds of 2.00+ within 7 days. Get 3x£10 in Free Bets for set markets which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org
