As The Brighton Centre prepares to host night six of the BetMGM Premier League Darts this Thursday, prepare yourself for the action with Ryan Brayne’s match-by-match guide.
Last week, Nathan Aspinall dominated Night Five in Exeter. It marked a surprise turnaround in form for Aspinall, who had yet failed to earn a point by Night Four. The World Matchplay Champion brushed aside Peter Wright and Luke Humphries before hammering Rob Cross 6-2 in the final – a thrilling resurgence for a fan favourite.
Luke Humphries vs Gerwyn Price
On the backs of a dramatic UK Open defeat, Cool Hand is looking to bounce back with a first weekly Premier League win. Humphries is still the clear ranked no.1 both in terms of earnings and current form, following a particularly stunning end to 2023. On the other hand, the Iceman is struggling for the form that made him a world champ three years ago and the certified best player in the world. He disappointed at the first attempt in the UK Open in Round Four and doesn’t look 100% comfortable on the stage.
On that basis, I’m going to back Humphries to get some more points on the board and sink Gerwyn Price.
Prediction: Humphries 6-3 Price
Rob Cross vs Michael van Gerwen
What a resurgence for Voltage it has been. Rob Cross is combining strong scoring with excellent finishing and has a knack for miraculous comebacks. His spell at the UK Open was great but he might feel disappointed at not getting a crack in the final session of the tournament. It was a completely opposite experience for Mighty Mike who crashed out at Round Four to a resurgent Mensur Suljovic. The clear league leader was definitely not himself at the weekend and seemed to clutch at his throwing arm numerous times – a potential point of concern for the weeks ahead.
Taking all of this into account, Michael van Gerwen can afford a few weeks off before he must get back to winning ways. Cross arguably could have won the weeknight in Exeter last time round so I back him to continue his good form.
Prediction: Cross 6-4 Van Gerwen
Nathan Aspinall vs Luke Littler
A clash of the northerners but that’s where the comparisons end for these two stars. The Asp’s gritty style and scrappy nature have not only endeared the darts fandom to his journey but has also picked up a lot of success on the way. He threw away a big lead against Heta at the UK Open, but he remains a player that can never be counted out – last week’s success in Exeter provides the clearest example.
Where to begin with the Nuke? The star boy continues to rise through the ranks and impress with flashy scoring and inventive finishes (2 bulls to take a 120 out). He played out a classic with Heta at the weekend in the quarterfinals and has been super consistent in the Premier League. Despite not winning a night yet, a second place standing is incredible.
This should be a close affair which could go either way but I’ll tip my hat to the natural talent and moments of brilliance being the difference maker here for Luke Littler.
Prediction: Aspinall 5-6 Littler
Michael Smith vs Peter Wright
On his day, Bully Boy is absolutely unbeatable and one of the more entertaining players to watch and support. Michael Smith underachieved this weekend with a disappointing loss to Luke Woodhouse but is very much in the mix in the Premier League with his first week win putting everyone on notice.
Then you look at Snakebite who many questioned why he deserved a place in the Premier League compared to someone like Dobey or Bunting. Whilst those questions still remain, there have been encouraging signs of form picking back up for ‘pointless’ Peter Wright after a narrow loss to Bunting in a thriller at the UK Open. He is yet to pick up a point in the league but that surely won’t last much longer. Whilst Wright has a good chance of getting his first points on the board, I think Smith has a point to prove and will want to get back to winning ways.
Prediction: Smith 6-4 Wright
Night Six Predicted Semi-Final & Final Winner
Semi-Finals
Humphries 6-5 Cross
Littler 6-3 Smith
Final
Humphries 6-5 Littler
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