*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change
The 2022 Premier League gets underway this evening in Cardiff as some of the world’s top players battle it out to be crowned champion. The world’s top six are joined by reigning Premier League champion Jonny Clayton and debutant Joe Cullen, who will be high on confidence after recently claiming his maiden televised title at the Masters.
In a slight format change from previous years, the field has been cut down and knockout tournaments will take place on a weekly basis, with points awarded to those who make it to the semi-finals and the final.
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The new format and the wealth of experience on show makes for an extremely tantalising prospect. So too does the return of spectators to Cardiff’s Motorpoint arena after the last two editions of the tournament were played almost entirely behind closed doors.
Here, our top traders give the lowdown on what to expect and pick their best bets for an opening night which is sure to produce some fireworks.
Jonny Clayton v Joe Cullen – Both to throw three or more 180s
Joe Cullen secured his place in the Premier League with his win in the Masters last weekend and this game against Jonny Clayton should be high quality with both players in top form recently. They’ve both also been hitting 180s well recently and the odds for them both to hit three or more 180s looks a good price to start the night off
Jonny Clayton to win Week 1 outright
The new Premier League format means we will have an outright winner in every week of the tournament and I think Clayton is the choice to take the first success. He has the most consistent game in the world at the moment and I like the price for the reigning champion to get his title defence off to a flying start looks a great price.
TONIGHT’S PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS FIXTURES
7.10pm: Jonny Clayton v Joe Cullen
7.45pm: Gerwyn Price v James Wade
8.15pm: Peter Wright v Michael Smith
8.45pm: Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson
Michael Smith Most 180s, High Checkout and Win v Peter Wright
A repeat of the World Championship final at around 8.15pm is the highlight of the quarter-final draw in Week 1 of the Premier League. I believe Michael Smith can gain a small bit of revenge for his loss there. Peter Wright hasn’t got a great Premier League record overall and doesn’t tend to play his best darts at this time of year. Smith to win, have the most 180s and highest checkout looks a big price to me.
Michael van Gerwen to win 6-5 v Gary Anderson
I think this will be a close game that could go all the way. Neither player looked in their best form at the Masters over the weekend so it will be difficult for anyone to pull away here. I’m going to give Michael van Gerwen the slight edge to win 6-5 as he tends to show his best form in last leg shootouts and can just prevail over his old rival.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change
Darts tips tonight
Jonny Clayton v Joe Cullen – Both to throw three or more 180s
Jonny Clayton to win Week 1 outright
Michael Smith Most 180s, High Checkout and Win v Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen to win 6-5 v Gary Anderson
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