Sky Live: Judgement Night

Five Premier League players are battling against elimination in this Thursday's Judgement Night in Manchester.

Defending champion Raymond van Barneveld, Adrian Lewis, Peter Wright, Kim Huybrechts and Stephen Bunting are all fighting for survival in week nine.

Michael van Gerwen v James Wade

‘Mighty Mike’ is more concerned with matters at the other end of the table and can cement top spot with a win over Wade.  

But the Aldershot thrower could be a genuine threat to his unbeaten record after surging up to fourth spot in recent weeks.

Wade edged out Peter Wright in a scrappy clash last week, with a 124-checkout proving one of the few highlights, and will need to improve on his average of 92.

Van Gerwen produced yet more fireworks in his ruthless 7-2 win over compatriot Raymond van Barneveld, narrowly missing out on a nine-darter.

He wrapped up victory with a sizzling 160-finish and will be hoping to stay at least two points clear at the summit.

Phil Taylor v Dave Chisnall

‘The Power’ picked up a much needed 7-4 win over Kim Huybrechts last week after slipping behind the league’s pacesetters.

Taylor sits just outside the top four, but can boost his pursuit of a play-off place with a win over third-placed Dave Chisnall.

Displaying glimpses of his best form, Taylor maintained an average of 104 against Huybrechts, and the six-time champion finished with a checkout percentage of 44 per cent.

Chisnall, this season’s surprise package, was even more ruthless with his finishing during a 7-2 rout of Adrian Lewis.

He ended with a 50 per-cent success rate and should take Taylor into a closely-fought contest.

Stephen Bunting v Kim Huybrechts

In the night’s first survival battle, Bunting needs just two legs to stave off the threat of elimination.

But Huybrechts needs a big win to keep his faint hopes alive, while Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis must also lose heavily to swing the leg difference in his favour.

Conceding legs cheaply has been a constant problem for Huybrechts, who holds only one win in the format, and Bunting should collect the pair he needs for survival.

Huybrechts has fallen short in a highly competitive campaign, despite a respectable tally of 26 180s, and wasteful finishing appears to have condemned the ‘Hurricane’ to an early exit.

Adrian Lewis v Peter Wright

‘Jackpot’ has fallen into the bottom two and cannot afford another defeat against fellow struggler Wright, who is also looking anxiously over his shoulder.

Without a win since the opening week, Lewis could still progress with a draw, but would need Gary Anderson to win the final match against Raymond van Barneveld.

Wright can secure his spot with just a point, while a defeat would not spell the end for ‘Snakebite’, if Barney is also beaten.  

Both players have produced inconsistent form throughout the season and it remains to be seen which struggler can hold their nerve in a high stakes encounter.

Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld

The Dutchman’s grip on the Premier League title has loosened during a disappointing run of results and Anderson could provide the final blow to ‘Barney.’

He needs to match or better the Lewis result and pressure will be piled on the veteran’s shoulders if he requires a win against Anderson, the reigning world champion.

The Scot has emerged as the nearest rival to Van Gerwen, suffering just two defeats all season.

Throughout the campaign, Anderson has found his finishing at key moments, and could pile more misery on the suffering ‘Barney’. 

Watch Thursday night's matches in the Premier League from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1.