Wayne Mardle's Premier League Tips: Back MVG to blow The Power away
We move to the home of the Dutch stars for Week 7 of this year's Premier League darts as Rotterdam plays host to what promises to be a special night, as world champion Michael van Gerwen takes on the legendary Phil Taylor...
"On performances in the Premier League so far, and the very recent weakness of mind in Phil Taylor, it's hard to envisage The Power winning any more than three legs here."
James Wade v Jelle Klaasen
Thursday, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports 1
At 7/4 I think Jelle is a great price. He has been playing some fantastic darts, but has had trouble closing matches out.
His scoring over recent weeks has been right up there with the best he's ever produced. He will outscore James Wade in the contest, and if he can just calm himself down for a millisecond I think he could well upset the odds.
James isn't playing well. I mentioned a few weeks ago about the angle of entry of his darts. They are laying down a little more, making it difficult to hit the treble bed when a previous dart goes above it, and this won't have been a conscious change by James. And over the last three weeks his finishing has been way off - 31% has been his highest return in that time.
What has made James so difficult to beat in the last decade is his double hitting, now the outer ring is proving hard to hit he's now more beatable than ever.
Recommended Bet
Back Jelle Klaasen to beat James Wade @ 7/4
Phil Taylor v Michael van Gerwen
Thursday, 19:15
Live on Sky Sports 1
Phil Taylor has beaten Michael on the last three occasions, the only person in the world to do so.
The last time they played was in September of last year. Since then Michael has stayed at his brilliant best, while Phil has regressed, and that's a fact.
The league averages don't lie. Phil is averaging 96 to Michael's 106. It should be a no contest.
There's also a feeling that Phil isn't too keen on partisan crowds. In recent times he's been getting a little flustered when support hasn't been aimed his way. Tonight in Rotterdam there are going to be 13,000 human beings, all clad in orange, chanting "OH, MICHAEL VAN GERWEN!" over and over.
On performances in the Premier League so far, and the very recent weakness of mind in Phil Taylor, it's hard to envisage The Power winning any more than three legs.
Recommended Bet
Back Michael van Gerwen-3.5 legs @ 6/4
Week 7 Fixtures
James Wade v Jelle Klaasen
Peter Wright v Dave Chisnall
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
Kim Huybrechts v Adrian Lewis
Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor
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