Tuesday 28 April 2015 18:45, UK
Raymond van Barneveld can turn up the heat on Phil Taylor in the battle for a Premier League top-four spot on Thursday.
'The Power' has won the Premier League title six times but has struggled for consistency this year, failing to repeat the clinical finishing that has so often set him apart over the years.
He faces Michael van Gerwen in Birmingham with the Dutchman having already qualified for finals at the O2 Arena in May but with Adrian Lewis and van Barneveld both in action twice, even a win may not be enough to prevent Taylor slipping out of the top four.
We asked Sky Sports Darts expert Wayne Mardle for Night 13 picks...
Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor
It’s funny because Michael had a wobble two weeks ago where he didn’t look as focused but last week was absolutely amazing. 116.90 average and then played against Gary in the last game and still averaged 103 I think.
The only way I can see Phil winning is if Michael van Gerwen misses doubles because Phil has looked a bit edgy on his finishing stats, something like 36%. Over the whole Premier League, that’s not good enough.
Phil Taylor, any year up to this year, has been better than that. Of course, he can beat Michael but he’s going to have to take his chances. The likelihood is that he will be outscored. Once Phil starts hitting the 57s, we know how dangerous he can be but he hasn’t played particularly well against Michael as often as he’d like.
Yes, he’s matched him time and time again but I still think that 7-0 from last year hurts.
Prediction: I’m going for a Van Gerwen win, purely because he seems to have another gear over everyone at the moment.
Dave Chisnall v Adrian Lewis
I think this is a tough one because you just don’t know with Chizzy anymore, he can wrack up 114 average or he can be low 90s and Adrian Lewis is the same.
But Adrian Lewis seems so focused on the finishing at the moment. He's playing well, playing well and then slowing down and becoming more methodical. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s on the scoring but on the finishing it’s definitely working. His focus on the doubles ring has been second to none. I can’t think of anyone other than Barney recently who is finishing better.
They both throw so quick at times that errors are always going to be there and it’s the one who takes out the right shot at the right time - for a break of throw.
Prediction: I think it is going to be close, I wouldn’t rule out a draw.
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
It’s a massive night for Barney but also for Gary because if Barney can get four points, he moves very close to Gary and that could be a worry for him. He’s not exactly sewn that third spot up yet.
The way Gary is playing, forget last week’s game against Bunting. That is just something that happened and he got back on the horse again and just rode off into the sunset against Michael van Gerwen - that was amazing.
With Barney, you just don’t know what you’re going to get. What you do know is that he’ll give 100% because this seems to be the new Raymond van Barneveld.
Prediction: I’ve got to go with Gary the way that he’s playing at the moment. He’s looking like the world champion that he is and I’d like to see him cement his place in the semi-finals with a win.
James Wade v Stephen Bunting
I think they’ve left themselves too much to do. James Wade has got a chance and Stephen needs results to go his way because of the leg difference, I can’t see either qualifying.
But you could move up one or two spots and you’re talking an extra £10k or £15k in prize money so there is an incentive for everyone to win.
It’s hard to separate these two, they’ve both got the attributes to win but they’ve also put in performances at times that are sub-standard to that.
Prediction: I’m going to go for a draw here because the form of both has been so hit and miss, it’s hard to predict a winner.
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
You feel with Adrian that he is a confidence player and it is more likely that he will go into this match with a win than Raymond would be because he is playing Gary Anderson.
This is going to be so, so tight. These are the best two finishers at the moment I think and it is going to come down to the odd finish here and there.
Prediction: I can’t back against Raymond. I just think that every big finish at the moment he just has the focus, drive and determination to get it. So I’m going to go Barney but only just.
