Darts Betting Preview: Premier League, Week One

Darts / Dart Vader / 04 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

The Premier League kicks off on Thursday 5th Feb, the venue is the "Echo Arena" in Liverpool, and the first round of fixtures has thrown up some decent ties, culminating in the one we all like to see Barney v Taylor... Dart Vader picks the best bets...

Game 1 - Wade v Part.

I would imagine that many will look at [1.66] Wade as a lump-on job, with Part in dubious form. But as I stated in my last piece, I just cannot trust Wade at present. James plays like Taylor for a few legs and like Lionel Sams for the next few, and he is not the player he was, despite flashes of brilliance. He is still the most likely winner- but no bet is recommended on this match.

Game 2 - Klaasen v Jenkins

This will be rapid fire stuff, and is another tricky game to call. Klaasen makes his debut in the Premier League, but that is unlikely to worry him, as he is one of the coolest players around. Jenkins has been more out than in recently, and his finishing has been frustratingly bad, the pace of the game will suit him, as he tends to throw better when settling into a quick rhythm. Klassen is currently slight favourite at [2.3], but for me the game has to be very close and the value is the [5.6] on the draw. Both players are renown 180 hitters, and I think the line of [5.5] is slightly low, and if any [1.8] or above appears on Over 5.5, it's well worth a bet.

Bets: 1 point the draw @ 5.6 or better
3 points OVER 5.5 180s @ 1.8 or better.

Game 3 - King v Mardle

Mardle will struggle in the Premier League in 2009. He lacks consistency, and would be my fancy to finish with the wooden spoon. King is a solid opponent and although not at his best in the Circus Tavern at the weekend, he is much the likeliest winner, whether or not [1.9] is value however, with the draw a runner, is debatable. I prefer a small lay of Mardle at [3.05] as I struggle to see him breaking Mervyn's darts.

Bet: 1 point lay of Mardle @ 3.05 (Risking 2.05 points)

Game 4 - Taylor v Barney

The showpiece game of the night and boy will Sky milk it!! As we know Barney is one player who is not frightened of Taylor, and will no doubt produce a near 100 average, but Taylor has amazingly stepped up his game, and consistently produces faultless performances. I can't see Taylor not winning the match, but I am not about to lump on at [1.42]. The maximums are my interest in the game, and as usual Taylor finds himself favourite for this market, despite Barney being a more prolific 180 hitter. Phil is so good at switching to 19s, that he often takes this option. Barney should not be the outsider in this market, and a confident bet is advised, if [2.2] or above can be taken.

Bet: 4 points Barney more 180's @ 2.2 minimum.