IT HAS been a fantastic campaign and we end up in Berlin, as three former winners go up against a debutant to battle for the Premier League crown.
With two solid favourites in the semi-final betting, let’s preview both matchups before turning to the outright market for a potential winner…
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN takes on JAMES WADE and there are stereotypes to make about this match that ring true when looking at the tournament stats.
You’d expect MVG to have a much higher scoring game, meaning that Wade will need to be as ruthless as ever on the doubles to stand a chance.
And you’d be absolutely right: Van Gerwen has a higher tournament average by five points, while Wade’s checkout percentage is 44% compared to the Dutchman’s 39%.
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Wade has consistently silenced his critics throughout the year but will really need to bring his A-game.
With the format now getting longer (matches will be first to ten legs with the final being first to 11) I fear for The Machine slightly. If he falls behind early on it will be very difficult to reign MVG in.
He’s a 2/1 underdog for a reason, I can see Van Gerwen progressing with a four to five leg victory. But I don’t think he’ll be the champion on the night…
JONNY CLAYTON faces JOE CULLEN in the other semi and he’s winning the head-to-head battle 4-2 going into this Berlin showdown.
The Ferret has had more darts at double than anyone else, more 180s than anyone else and won more legs than anyone else.
It’s a daunting task for Cullen but a bit of a free hit in a way, I’m sure he’ll be delighted to have just made it to finals night.
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Clayton’s M.O has been winning legs against the throw, it’s another thing he’s done more than the rest in the tournament. If he breaks Cullen early on, he’s already shown what a great frontrunner he can be.
I’m predicting that a victory would then see him take on MVG and for all of Michael’s improvement in recent months, he’s yet to win a title on stage in front of a live crowd in two long years.
There’s so much pressure on him to get that monkey off his back and I think that plays into the Welshman’s hands.
No-one has won back-to-back Premier League crowns since Van Gerwen himself achieved four in a row, but that changes on Thursday night.
Clayton takes the final 11-9 and wins the sixth major title of his burgeoning career.
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