Terry Jenkins v Simon Whitlock
The first clash the fans in Exeter will be treated to is between two men that have struggled for form so far in the Premier League and have each picked up one win and two defeats after three weeks. However, as similar as their records are, the crucial difference is that Terry Jenkins’ win came three weeks ago in his opening match, whereas Simon Whitlock’s was just last week when he overcame James Wade, this clearly gives The Wizard the momentum.
This will be key when the two of them meet on Thursday night, especially due to the hammering Jenkins took at the hands of The Power in Belfast. His woeful performance leading to an 8 – 2 thrashing compared to Whitlock’s pumped up display against The Machine will most likely effect the result in week 4.
Whitlock seemed much more like the player we know he can be last week, especially on doubles, and I expect getting over the hurdle of his first win will see him continue this.
The Bull won’t play as badly as he did last week, and I’d be very surprised if he averaged in the 80s again for the rest of the tournament, but I still think he just won’t have enough to beat the Australian, it certainly won’t be a thrashing though.
Prediction: Jenkins 5 – 8 Whitlock
Betting Tip: Whitlock 4-2 at interval 2/1
Priestley’s Pick: The Wizard got his first win under his belt last week and I can see him making it three weeks without a point for Terry. I think the clinical finishing of Simon will be enough to see off The Bull’s challenge. Whitlock to win 8-4
Webby v Jackpot
The second game also sees two players on two points facing each other, but this time both haven’t picked up a victory since the opening day in London.
As far as Webster is concerned, you would think he wouldn’t have been too disheartened by defeats to Taylor and Anderson as they are the 1st and 2nd favourites for the title, but what will have hurt him was the manner of his loss to The Flying Scotsman in Belfast last week. Anderson played exceptionally, but Webster may as well not have turned up, and suffered a defeat by seven legs, which I didn’t expect to see anyone have to deal with throughout this tournament.
Judging by his form over the last eighteen months though, it seems that last week was a blip and I expect him to be back and firing this week against the World Champ.
Lewis has lost his last two, but has still played extremely well in both games and was just unlucky to face two men at the wrong time. He was still pulling off incredible finishes, including his 170 last time out which showed he can still perform in the face of adversity.
I think despite losing two from two Lewis’ form has in no way deserted him and I think he will have enough with this level of performance to dispatch the Welshman. I would be very surprised if Webster took another pasting but I do think he will come up short.
Prediction: Webster 4 – 8 Lewis
Betting Tip: Lewis over 4.5 180s is 6/5
Priestley’s Pick: Both players will be licking their wounds after tasting defeat last week. If both players set off well it could be a very good game. I’m going to edge with Lewis with his experience on the Premier League circuit. Lewis to win 8-6
The Flying Scotsman v The Machine
Well I’m afraid that this one is very difficult to deviate away from the obvious choice, which of course is Gary Anderson.
The Flying Scotsman has been in breath-taking form since week one of the tournament and has not really even shown a chink in his thick armour. There is little to suggest that he won’t continue his incredible scoring and perhaps even improve on it, as he has threatened in the press.
The Machine, in comparison, has been out, then in, then back out of form again, and is not living up to his moniker at all. If the series continues then he should perform well against Anderson, but this is by no means a certainty. Another issue is that even if Wade hits form, it is very much in question whether it will be enough to beat Anderson, who seems to have well and truly surpassed him in quality and consistency over the last few months.
Hopefully Wade can perform and it will be a close match, if he doesn’t It will be a thrashing from Anderson, but wither way I think the Scot will be the winner and stay on top of the table.
Prediction: Anderson 8 – 4 Wade
Betting Tip: Anderson interval – Anderson Win is 11/10
Anderson average over 99.5 is 5/6
Priestley Pick: Another brilliant performance from Anderson last week. James was a little off colour and has been very patchy with his form so far in this Premier League season. Anderson is the form player so far and I can see him continuing this against James. Anderson to win 8-5
Raymond van Barneveld v Phil Taylor
The headline act and without doubt should be the highlight of the night is the clash between the two biggest names in the tournament, and more importantly for the match, two of the most in-form players in the competition.
Since very disappointing displays in week 1 these two multi-time World Champions have looked imperious and have produced four masterful displays between them which sees them level on four points in second and third place in the table.
Knees were jerking all over the place after the first week of action with Taylor having apparently lost his dominance and Barney losing his ability all together, but things couldn’t look more different now as both men look supremely confident. This makes it a very tough match to call.
It is almost impossible to bet against Phil Taylor when he is playing well, but van Barneveld is one of the very few players who could match him, and I think he may well just be able to do that.
This must be the week when we get our first draw, and if it doesn’t happen earlier in the night, then I think it might just happen in the grand finale.
Prediction: Barney: 7 – 7 Taylor
Betting Tip: Barneveld/Draw is 7/4
Barneveld over 2.5 180s is 8/11
Priestley’s Pick: A clash of the two darting heavyweights. A couple of years ago this was the fixture to talk about. A good win for Barney last week will set him up well for tonight but I think Phil has the edge once again. Taylor to win 8-4
So there’s the picks for this week’s round of action. My four selections pay a big 26/1 thanks to the tie in the headline act. Dennis’ picks run along the same lines and pay out at 11/2.
If you fancy Dennis’ pick of Lewis 8- 6 Webster, that’s at 9/2 which isn’t too bad I’d suggest.
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