Well there’s some seemingly unimportant games this week, but let’s not despair yet as there’s plenty to play for in terms of pride, financial rewards and of course momentum for those going into the play-offs at Wembley. With the pressure off for some though it could mean their best darts for weeks, who knows?
The Machine v The Bull
James Wade’s hope of qualification might be over, but he has the chance of pipping Simon Whitlock to fifth place which would mean an extra £2,500 in prize money, which I’m sure would be very welcome when he’s booking his summer holidays.
Terry is nailed on to finish in seventh spot, but if anyone doesn’t need extra motivation then it’s The Bull who will give anyone a game no matter what the situation is.
Both these men will be wanting to have a really good crack at the UK Open which is just a few short weeks away now and will not want to lose any big stage confidence ahead of that.
I expect strong performances from both, but Wade’s form has just been too good over the last month to ignore.
Prediction: Wade 8 – 5 Jenkins
Betting Tip: SkyBet offering Wade at over 2.5 180s, it’s only 4/6 but surely he’ll manage that
Priestley’s Pick: Neither player has anything to play for as both are out of the play-off hunt. Could be a nice relaxed game which could make for a good match. James has been unlucky after a late surge but only has himself to blame after a poor start. Wade to win 8-5
Webby v Barney
The situation reminds me of when the two faced off in the third-place play-off at the World Championships two years ago and Webster won comfortable because Barney wasn’t interested and just wanted to go home. I think this will be different though.
The Dutchman will not want to give Anderson an edge going into their huge semi-final clash and already has the mental advantage having defeated the Scot last week. If Barney were to lose and Anderson defeat Lewis then the tide will have turned. For this reason I expect him to be fully focussed and on his game.
Webby was much more like his best last week against Whitlock and picked up his first point in nine long weeks so will be much more relaxed and more capable of competing with the 5-time World Champ, I still don’t think he’ll be able to conquer him though.
Prediction: Webster 3 – 8 Van Barneveld
Betting Tip: Me and Dennis both think this will be done in 11 legs and you can get under 12.5 legs at 11/10
Priestley’s Pick: Another dead rubber with both players fate sealed. Barney cannot even influence who he will play in the play offs. A relaxed Barney is a dangerous player and I expect him to win tonight. Barneveld to win 8-3
Jackpot v The Flying Scotsman
Without a miracle taking place, Adrian Lewis is into the semi-finals of the competition; however he will want to make sure that no such thing could occur by securing at least a draw against Gary Anderson.
The World Champ burst into life in the second half of his contest with Terry Jenkins last week and if he plays as he did in those five legs then he could well push Anderson all the way. As far as a warm up for a clash with Taylor goes then the Scot is as good as it gets, so Jackpot will certainly be taking this one seriously.
As far as The Flying Scotsman goes, he is in a similar situation to Barney as they wage psychological warfare against each other. If he goes out and dominates the World Champion then Barney will be worried, if he goes out with a whimper then he certainly won’t be.
It’s going to be a tight one!!!
Prediction: Lewis 7 – 7 Anderson
Betting Tip: Gary is favourite for high checkout, but I’d go with Adrian at evens
Priestley’s Pick: Adrian needs at least a point to seal his play-off spot and he will have to be on his game tonight. Gary is guaranteed to play Barneveld no matter what happens in the play offs so has nothing to play for. Interesting encounter with Adrian needing a point but Gary free to let the arrows fly. Anderson to win 8-6
The Power v The Wizard
It is Simon Whitlock that can capitalise on any miracle that occurs and grab the final play-off place, but it is extremely unlikely given who he is facing. The Wizard will have to win and win comfortably to have any chance of qualifying and not many would back him to do so against Taylor who has been in relentless form for two months now.
The Australian is a determined sort and will go out there and do his best to get the result he needs, and I think he may well push the league leader to a reasonably close game, but beat him? I don’t think so.
This could be the game of the night though, and I reckon three figure averages from both men.
Prediction: Taylor 8 – 5 Whitlock
Betting Tip: Taylor 4-2 up at the break is 3/2
Priestley’s Pick: Simon needs a win and needs to Adrian to lose. You would feel Simon could crash the play offs but unfortunately he needs a win against no other than Phil Taylor. How Phil is playing I cannot see Simon been able to get the win and a big leg swing which he needs. Taylor to win 8-4
My four selections come in at 14/1 whereas The Menace’s picks are a miserly 5/1 with SkyBet.
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