Dave Clark: MVG wants this too much, I think Michael Smith has the game to beat him

This has the makings of a classic.....

I think this is going to be a fantastic match. I think it’s going to go a lot of sets because Michael Smith is playing some wonderful darts. He averaged 105.22 in his semi-final, 103 in the quarter-final, 100 in the fourth round and 100.47 in the round previous to that so he’s playing phenomenally well. He also smashed in 17 180s against Nathan Aspinall in the semi-final so he’s playing some super stuff at the moment.

A little word of warning, he hasn’t faced anyone in the world’s top 16 on his route through so he hasn’t really been challenged by a top eight player on his run to the final.

Micheal Gerwen produced a brilliant 104.76 against Gary Anderson. Gary Anderson didn’t really show up in that match. He had another good game against Adrian Lewis, clocking up 108.808 so the stats are pretty evenly matched. 103.723 average for MVG and 101.19 for Michael Smith so Michael Smith is playing the game that can challenge Michael Van Gerwen, that’s for sure.

He’s hit a lot more 180s than Van Gerwen – 51 for Micheal Smith, 32 for Van Gerwen. He’s got a real chance tonight. Van Gerwen’s going to have to be slightly off his game but I fancy Michael Smith to cause an upset tonight in a tight game.

If he is to cause an upset it will be 7-6, 7-5. If you fancy Smith to really turn on the style tonight, playing his best game ever, then most 180s, highest checkout and to win the match is 9/1. And a nine darter is 10/1 which is value in this game I think.

If you think it’s going to be MVG’s night then there’s some good prices to be had. But I’m fancying Smith on the form he’s in, the hunger he’s got.

And I think Micheal Van Gerwen wants it too much.

He’s failed in the World Championship in years gone by, he lost to Phil Taylor in 2013, crying on the stage. He’s determined to get that third world title.

Two young guns collide, the first World Championship final between two men in their twenties since Eric Bristow against Keith Deller in 1983 so it’s a fantastically evenly matched game.

My money’s on Michael Smith.

My Selections:

Michael Smith to win 7-6 (@ 10/1) or 7-5 (@11/1)
Michael Smith to get most 180’s @ 4/5
Michael Smith Hatrick (Most 180’s, highest Checkout & win match) @ 9/1
A 9 darter in the match @10/1

This is going to a cracker! All the MVG v Smith odds over at PaddyPower.com