So here it is; the showpiece event which we’ve been waiting for to arrive for the past fourteen and a half weeks. Me and Dennis don't agree on how the night's going to pan out, except for the winner, but we do agree that it'll be a cracker. If it’s a patch on last year then we’re in for a real treat, hold on to your hats Wembley!!
Semi Final One: Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
This is the match that everyone wanted to see at this stage of the tournament I believe. Not only did Jackpot claim the World Title, which Taylor believes to be rightfully his, but then he had the audacity to thrash The Power in the opening week of the Premier League.
Taylor duly returned the favour later in the tournament, but that only makes them even, and I think The Power is only happy when he is one better than that.
Ever since that earth shattering defeat to Lewis fourteen weeks ago, the world number one has been the model of consistency, scoring a three-figure average every outing since week five, taking his tournament average to over a ton. It really has been back to the Taylor of a couple of years ago when you can only see one result coming when he walks on the stage, as apart from Gary Anderson in Manchester, no one has even come close to taking points off him.
Adrian Lewis, in comparison, has been somewhat up and down, which is reflected in the league table as despite taking two points off Taylor in the first week he finished twelve behind him in the final standings.
He has looked brilliant at times, and has shown the attitude of a World Champion (especially in Glasgow) which maybe some people still doubted he had. This however is an incredibly stern challenge and he is strong second favourite to make the final.
It is still a very short format of the game though and if Taylor has an issue with any part of his game it is his slightly slow starts, so if Adrian can come flying out of the blocks and find his rhythm early then he could still pull off the upset.
It would be incredibly unfair to write off the World Champion completely in what is a two horse race, but as I’ve said before, only the very rich or very stupid/brave will back against an in-form Phil Taylor.
Prediction: Taylor 8 – 4 Lewis
Priestley’s Pick: The first semi-final pits the 15 time world champion against the current world champion. Phil has been absolutely amazing this season since the opening week when Adrian grabbed a deserved win. Adrian has to get a good start and put Phil under pressure from the off. If Phil gets away early in the match then it could spell trouble for Adrian. Taylor to win 8-5
Semi Final Two: Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld
The Flying Scotsman is going into this one as hot favourite with the bookies, despite the fact that he has been defeated in two games out of two in the Premier League so far by his adversary Barney and has actually failed to win for three weeks running.
That said, the Scot has still been in excellent form as was shown during his thrilling draw with Lewis last week and there are still plenty who will back him, even at odds on.
The Dutchman has been looking in fine fettle himself though and hasn’t lost for five weeks in the league which will mean his confidence is sky high, which is crucial for Barney if he is going to perform.
SkyBet are offering 8/15 for Anderson and 6/4 for Barney which I feel are far too contrasting for how tight a game I expect it to be. If Gary is in full, free-flowing scoring form then Barney will struggle to keep up, but I expect the five time World Champ’s finishing to be the better of the two.
It’s a very tough one to call, but I’m going to go with Barney, just.
Prediction: Anderson 7 – 8 Van Barneveld
Priestley’s Pick: This could be an absolute classic. Only a point separated them in the league table and both have played sterling darts during the season. Each player has had the odd off week but I think both will bring their A game tonight. I think we are going to see lots of 180s and the odd crowd pleasing finish. If Gary hits his doubles then I can see him edging this match. Anderson to win 8-6
Third-Place Play-Off: Adrian Lewis v Gary Anderson
Although both players that are involved in this one will be hurting and probably won’t be fully focussed, there is £10,000 difference in prize money on it, so I should think they will be going for the win.
Basically, the third-place play-off will come down to who is more adversely mentally affected by their first game, and going on my predictions I’d have to say it will be Gary Anderson.
If his match with Barney goes the distance, which I reckon it will then he will be devastated to lose it and both mentally and physically drained. Lewis will be very disappointed to lose, don’t get me wrong, but he might just have relaxed again by the time he gets back up on stage for this one, and that will help him succeed.
I do feel harsh putting Anderson as fourth for the tournament, as you’d say he’s probably been the second best player, but them’s the breaks.
Prediction: Lewis 8 – 5 Anderson
Priestley’s Pick: If my predictions are correct then both players will be bitterly disappointed to be playing this match. But the winner gets to take home a few extra pennies so they will be trying their hearts out. Barney admits that he needs something to play for to bring his A game so I think Adrian might just have a little more fire in his belly. Lewis to win 8-5
The Final: Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
Two of the greatest names in the history of the game are who I expect to square off in the final match of this year’s Premier League, and if it is indeed them who make it, then they thoroughly deserve it.
Barney will conquer some demons simply by getting to the final having crashed out in the semis four times over the years to James Wade (twice), Terry Jenkins and of all people Roland Scholten. If he gets through his semi with Anderson then it might just relax him a little as it is the furthest he’s ever got, and this could work to his advantage.
However, as I said about the Scotsman, a full on heavyweight bout in the semi-finals is going to knock you off balance for the final, and this could turn out to be a problem for Barney.
The massive advantage Phil Taylor has is that he is so used to winning finals. Barney used to be, but it’s been a fair while since he won a major trophy, whereas The Power has had no such problem, even continually reaching finals of Players Championships which Barney doesn’t seem to do.
All I hope for is a tight game and that the great Dutchman pushes Taylor all the way, I can’t look past The Power though.
Prediction: Taylor 10 – 5 Barney
Priestley’s Pick: In my eyes this is the final that is deserved from the season. In the early part no one could touch Gary and he was scoring better than anybody I have ever seen. The second half was all about Phil. Numerous 105+ averages and scintillating performances. I don't want to comment too much on this game as I want actions to speak louder than my words, although I think one break of throw will be the difference. Taylor to win 10-8
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