Wayne Mardle: Whitlock to deliver knock-out blow to The Hammer

18Apr 2013

Betfair

Week 11 in the Premier League comes from Dublin, where the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor, and Raymond van Barneveld all play twice. Wayne Mardle previews what is expected to be a fantastic night of 'Arrers...

Andy Hamilton v Phil Taylor

Hamilton appears to have gone off the boil and Taylor is rattled after another defeat last week, albeit at the hands of the brilliant Michael van Gerwen. The Hammer beat Phil just a few weeks ago so you can rest assured The Power will want revenge.

This game is all about Hamilton for me, if he can stop Phil getting ahead within the first four legs he has a squeek but I personally don't think he will, and therefore have to make Taylor the selection. His odds are cramped though, so we'll throw a dart (pardon the pun) in the Correct Score market.

Recommended Bet

Back Taylor to win 7-3 @ 5.25

Raymond van Barneveld v Michael van Gerwen

This is a really tough match to call, especially given the form choice - Van Gerwen - doesn't have the best of records against his fellow countryman.

If both play to the ability we know they possess then this could be a Dutch masterclass between two tungsten titans, but for some reason, perhaps because they have so much respect for each other, games between RVB and MVG tend to be cagey affairs. I can't split them and won't be surprised if it ends in a draw after some below par darts.

Recommended Bets

Back The Draw @ 4.75

Back Van Gerwen Under 99.5 Average @ 2.0

Back Van Barneveld Under 97.5 Average @ 2.0

Robert Thornton v James Wade

With the exception of his last game on against Van Gerwen last week, Wade has been the form horse over the last few weeks. And he's speaking so positivley too which is great to hear; he talks and looks like he's ready to win another major, and this year's Premier League could be it.

Thornton needs to get back to winning ways, and in that respect this is a massive game for him in his quest to reach the play-offs. Robert is certainly playing well enough, and it could be that last week's loss to Whitlock was just a blip. Still, I have to go for Wade to win this one.

Recommended Bet

Back Wade to win @ 2.15

Simon Whitlock v Andy Hamilton

This will be Hamilton's second match of the evening, and it's a biggy, If he has lost to Taylor earlier in the night, and then loses this one it will be a massive blow to his chances of a play-off spot.

Last week Wade and Van Gerwen clearly looked tired when they had to contest their second match of the evening, and I think this will be the case for The Hammer. Not only is it his second match of the night, it also comes relatively quickly after his first one.

Whitlock will take full advantage in my opinion and should win comfortably, hence why I'm making him my nap of the night.

Recommended Bets

Back Whitlock to win @ 2.1

Back Whitlock to win 7-3 @ 9.0 & 7-4 @ 6.0

Raymond van Barneveld v Phil Taylor

Another huge game for Raymond. And another one in which, for no obvious reason, he has underperformed in the past (when meeting Taylor that is). We know Barney can beat anyone on his day, he just needs to convince himself of that fact as he looks like a beaten man against Phil even before he throws a dart sometimes.

History suggests Taylor wins and I'm not going to bet against the history books for the reasons I've already mentioned. Barney was battered by The Power a few weeks ago and I have to say that it's Taylor all the way again for me, though expect the Dutchman to come out on top in the 180s exchange.

Recommended Bets

Back Taylor to win 7-3 @ 6.5

Back Van Barneveld most 180s @ 1.5

Michael van Gerwen v Adrian Lewis

Michael clearly felt tired last week when playing two games on one night, which was slightly surprising as he's used to playing multiple matches in one day on the regular circuit. But this is the Premier League where it's red hot on stage and you have be prepared mentally. Remember, Michael is still young and learning, and I don't think he'll feel as tired this week for his second game of the night.

Lewis is under performing weekly, he just can't get a consistent run of form going. Yes he beat Michael first time round, but I don't think the lightening bolt strikes again.

Recommended Bet

Back Van Gerwen to win @ 1.44

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