Darts Premier League Week 1 Preview

Premier League Darts returns this Thursday night and a couple of important changes need to be noted. Five games now take place instead of four and to accomodate this the games are a little shorter with 12 legs being played instead of 14. With that being clear here is our guide to the best of the bets in week one.

The best bet comes in the opening game which pitches Andy Hamilton against Robert Thornton. It may not be the most exciting game to open though it does represent a great betting opportunity with Hamilton available at 11/8 (general) for the victory. The Hammer is a seasoned campainger in the Premier League while Thornton is making his debut. Hamilton is the kind of player who does well against the lower ranked players before coming unstuck againt the elite. With the greatest respect for Thornton he can not be described as elite, take the Hammer to come out on top here.

Game two sees James Wade take on Wes Newton with Wade the 13/10 (ladbrokes) favourite. If Wade can continue the form he showed in the World Championships then he could be the bet here however Newton is a dangerous opponent. Wes at 13/8 (general) could have his supporters and to me this is a game to avoid from a betting point of view.

Take Raymond Van Barneveld at 6/5 (sportingbet/Blue Sq/888 Sport) to see off Gary Anderson in the third game of the evening. The Dutchman whitewashed Anderson 4-0 in the third round of the World Championship this year and has lost just one of the last five meetings between the pair. Anderson is a long way short of the form shown when winning this event in 2011 and I think he will come undone against Barney in his opener.

With the games being shorter (just 12 legs) the draw is an increasing threat in betting so one way to get round this in use betting exchanges to lay certain prices, this allows you cover for the draw. One such player I would look to lay is Adrian Lewis against Simon Whitlock. Lewis partnered Taylor to World Cup glory at the weekend though that was more down to the play of the Power than Jackpot.

The final bet of the night is the biggest game and is a repeat of the World Championship final between Phil Taylor and Michael Van Gerwen. Despite this being his Premier League debut I do not expect the Dutchman to show any sign of nerves. I could see this game going the distance (all 12 legs). It might be worth then a little play in the over/under legs market going over on 11.5 legs. This will pay out if either players wins 7-5 or the game ends in a 6-6 draw. Skybet and Coral are offering the best odds on this market currently going 6/5.

In addition a number of bookmakers will be offering weekly specials each week involving all the players where you can bet on a number of markets including which player score the most 180s, player to score highest checkout, which game will produce the most 180s. Be sure to have a look at those markets to see if you can spot any extra value.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Hamilton to beat Thornton, 11/8 (general)
SILVER: Van Barneveld to beat Anderson, 6/5 (sportingbet/Blue Sq/888 Sport)
BRONZE: Taylor and Van Gerwen to go over 11.5 legs, 6/5 (Skybet/Coral)

Go To bet365

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07/02/2013     © Frixo 2024