Undoubtedly the most anticipated match of this year's tournament comes around in week 5 in Manchester as the top two in the league square off. Unpredicatble contests throughout as the drama of the Premier League continues and The Menace reckons there's going to be two draws!!
The Bull v Webby
One lost 8-1 last week, the other won 8-2, and that is the kind of momentum, or lack of it that will make the difference in Manchester.
The Bull is rock bottom of the table following three straight defeats, and his performances in these losses haven’t shown anything to suggest he is going to start winning this week. There is no shame in losing to the likes of Taylor, Anderson and Whitlock, but Jenkins didn’t really offer much of a challenge, and his usually reliable scoring has been very disappointing. He will have to start banging in the 140s, like he does when he’s at his best, if he is to have a chance on Thursday.
Webby, bounced back in style in Exeter with the most impressive performance from anyone in the tournament so far. Averaging over 110 is phenomenal and if he gets anywhere near this against Jenkins then he will move on to six points in the Premier League. I doubt he will repeat the heroics of last week as it was his hammering at the hands of Anderson the week before that was motivating him there, and I think he’ll be lacking quite that drive. He is a pro though, so he’ll still be up for it, and so it’s impossible to look past the Welshman.
Prediction: Jenkins 3 – 8 Webster
Betting Tip: Webster winning after 6 legs is 5/4
Priestley’s Pick: A brilliant performance last week by Mark and I think he will keep the run going. Terry is a top lad but I can see the finishing of Webster been too hot to handle for the bull. Webster to Win 8-4
The Flying Scotsman v The Power
This might be the second match of the night, but there is no doubt that it’s the main event and the one that everyone will be waiting for on Thursday. It’s the top two in the league and unquestionably the best two players so far squaring off as they are both looking to prove different points, and more importantly gain two points.
Anderson has been largely untroubled as he has raced onto eight points with four wins from four. His game looks to have few pitfalls with his scoring especially proving impossible to live with as he affords himself the odd missed double as he is often 200 points ahead. As I mentioned though, this has been relatively pressure free, as his leg difference of +19 shows. This will not happen tomorrow, and this really will be the sternest test of Anderson’s new found steeliness.
I have a feeling Taylor will be relishing this after what he did to Barney last week. Everyone expected the Dutchman to really challenge the champion and he got nowhere near him, Taylor will be wanting the exact same to happen in Manchester. At this time though Anderson is significantly better than Barneveld and won’t be brushed aside so easily.
I predicted a classic last week and didn’t get it, but I truly expect Anderson to stand up to the pressure of facing The Power and keep up his incredible level of performance. The huge advantage Taylor has is his vast Premier League experience, which obviously the Scot is lacking, and if it becomes close then it could prove vital.
This is incredibly difficult as there is absolutely no reason to bet against Gary Anderson, but unfortunately for him, there is every reason to bet on Phil Taylor.
Prediction: Anderson 6 – 8 Taylor
Betting Tip: Over 7.5 180s is a mean 8/11 but it’s a cert. I fancy draw/Taylor at 13/2
Priestley’s Pick: Could this game have been set up any better? With Phil beating Barney last week and the continued form of Anderson this could be a cracker. I think Gary is the form player in the world at the minute and can just see him edging the match. Anderson to win 8-6
The Machine v Barney
The battle of the enigmas you could say as two of the most unpredictable forces in heavyweight darts clash in match three.
Both men suffered defeats last time out, but as they were to Anderson and Taylor it can be forgiven, and I believe whoever comes back strongest from that will push on in the tournament, if either loses this match they may be in trouble.
It comes down to self-belief with both these great players, and the start will be key, if either man can get away from the other early, then they could well win easily, but I don’t see this happening really.
I think Barney’s loss to Taylor will have really hurt him and Wade is the one who will come back the stronger.
Prediction: Wade 8 – 4 Barney
Betting Tip: I think Wade to win at 6/5 isn’t too bad
Priestley’s Pick: Both players are coming into this game after 8-3 losses. Neither will want to give an inch but neither are playing their best darts. A scrappy encounter with moments of magic. Draw 7-7
The Wizard v Jackpot
The final clash of the evening has the potential to steal the show, and I expect hundred-plus averages from both men.
Whitlock looked fantastic last week against The Bull and his momentum is gathering as he has moved into third place in the table after a slow start. His finishing but especially his scoring has been very good over the last two weeks and it is at the stage where he will not be giving away many legs on his own throw.
Jackpot has now lost three in a row, but has actually not looked bad in any of those games. He hasn’t been at his World Championship winning best, but he has certainly competed and on other days would have won one, two or even all of those games. It will only take a very slight improvement in his luck and Lewis will be back to hitting seven or eight 180s and back to winning ways.
I expect this to be a match of the highest quality and I’m going to go with the man I think will maintain his focus and composure in the situation.
Prediction: Whitlock 8 – 5 Lewis
Betting Tip: Whitlock 180s over 3.5 is 8/11
Priestley’s Pick: Could these two guys have had anymore contrasting of results last week. Whitlock was amazing and Lewis came up against an on fire Webster. But this is a different week and Lewis isn’t World Champ for nothing. Too close to call. Draw 7-7
My four picks come in at 18/1 which I think is a fair shout, but if you stick with Dennis' picks then you will return at a cool 92/1. He'll love to say I told you so if they come in at that price.
No comments:
Post a Comment