The show rolls on; the crowds keep getting louder; and the arrows somehow keep getting sharper.
As we approach night 12 of the BetMGM Premier League Darts, set to take place on Thursday 23rd April, we’re yet to see anyone topple Jonny Clayton at the top of the table.
Heading to Liverpool, fans can expect to play their part once again as the action unfolds – but who will it benefit the most? Luke Littler has climbed to second in the table, but the world number one will have the crowd against him, while Stephen Bunting at the bottom is likely to be well supported on the oche.
For Irish viewers, the action will be available live on Sky Sports, with in-depth coverage of the night taking place before the quarter-finals. With plenty still to play for, it’s worth tuning in to find out what could happen on the night and listen to players’ interviews before they take to the stage.
If you have been even half paying attention this season, you will already know that this year’s Premier League has delivered plenty of comebacks and just enough needle between players to keep things spicy. Night 12 in Liverpool should be no exception.
Check out the odds on Premier League Darts right here.
Recap so far
It’s safe to say that as we hit the 12-week mark in the Premier League, the script has already been torn up several times. The format, where players battle through mini knock-out brackets each night, has ensured plenty of winners and upsets along the way.
The standout storyline so far has been the resilience of Jonny Clayton, who continues to lead the way. While other players have been up and down, the Welshman has been consistent throughout, which is why he’s top of the table.
He heads to Liverpool having won in Rotterdam, defeating Luke Littler, who has been in hot pursuit of the Ferret in recent weeks.
Littler, still absurdly young and somehow already completely unfazed by hostile crowds, has continued to rack up big performances, which has led him to second place. His scoring power, especially on the trebles, is why he’s a constant threat, and players can’t take anything for granted against the world champion. Even when results have not gone his way, he has looked like someone who will bounce back.
Right alongside him, Gerwyn Price has played like a man determined to remind everyone why he is one of the most complete players in the world. The Ice Man’s clinical finishing with relentless scoring make him a nightmare opponent in short-format matches – but if he doesn’t find his rhythm, the Premier League can be cruel and spit him out early doors. There’s work to do for him to trouble Clayton and Littler heading into round 12.
Then there is, of course, Michael van Gerwen, who sits above Luke Humphries in the table, refusing to quietly fade into the background. Instead, the Dutchman continues to bulldoze opponents when he finds rhythm, producing bursts of brilliance that remind everyone why he dominated this sport not too long ago.
Rivalries have been at the heart of the action – especially in the latter stages of the tournament. Littler vs Van Gerwen was one of the more eye-catching clashes for neutrals, while Humphries vs Clayton delivered high-quality, tactical battles.
Players to watch
After a slow start to the Premier League season, Luke Littler continues to produce world-class darts or moments of magic when his back is against the wall.
Although still incredibly young, his confidence has only grown with each appearance this season and he’s clearly eager to hold onto his title. If he gets into a natural flow on his favourite double 10, even Clayton will struggle to deal with him in the latter stages of the competition.
Jonny Clayton – what else can we say about the league leader? He’s been consistent since day one and that is why others around him are playing catch up. Scoring high and checking out quickly, even Littler, as we saw in the last round, is struggling to match him within this format. He is going to take all the beating as we head to Liverpool. For Irish fans looking at consistency as a betting angle, Clayton is about as reliable as it gets in this format.
Luke Humphries, although down in fifth place, remains arguably the most balanced player in the competition. He does not rely on momentum swings or crowd energy in the same way that others do. Instead, he methodically applies pressure, stacking 100+ averages and punishing missed chances.
Michael van Gerwen is, and always will be, the wildcard selection each week. You know exactly what he is capable of, but at the same time, you never quite know which version will show up. When he is locked in, he can dismantle anyone in a race to six legs. His scoring bursts, especially back-to-back 180s, can flip matches in seconds. Ignore him at your own risk.
Expert predictions
Gian van Veen vs Gerwyn Price
This looks to be a fascinating contest with one rising talent within the game against proven Premier League pedigree.
Gian van Veen continues to impress in his debut season, but he does head into this match on the back of five straight defeats. On top of that, he hasn’t beaten the Ice Man in any of his last five meetings.
Gerwyn Price, by contrast, is thriving. With five wins in a row – over some big names of late – the Welshman arrives in Liverpool in a very confident mood.
The former world champion is built for hostile crowds and tight, physical matches where finishing under pressure becomes decisive. However, this match shouldn’t be too tight – and Price can flex his muscles and sail into the semi-finals with ease.
Prediction – Gerwyn Price to win at 8/11
Stephen Bunting vs Jonny Clayton
There’s no doubt that Stephen Bunting has shown improvement in recent weeks. His scoring ability is always capable of stretching elite opponents when in rhythm. The key question, however, remains whether he can maintain that level across an entire match against top-tier consistency.
Jonny Clayton has been the most reliable performer in this year’s Premier League. His composure, control of tempo and elite doubling have made him extremely difficult to break down – which is why he is leading the way at the top of the table.
Although Bunting has won three of the last five meetings, it’s almost impossible to look past Clayton at the moment, who will be riding high after his win in Rotterdam last week.
Prediction – Jonny Clayton to win at 8/11
Josh Rock vs Michael van Gerwen
This is certainly one of the more intriguing ties of the night in terms of raw firepower.
Josh Rock’s confidence is growing on this stage – and he has beaten MvG in two of his last five meetings. However, the Dutchman has won the last three and he’s fighting the top three at the moment – and he won’t be taking it easy from this position.
That’s because Van Gerwen remains one of the most dangerous players in the sport when he settles early. Even when he’s not entirely flawless on doubles, his scoring pressure alone often forces opponents into errors.
Rock can absolutely live with Van Gerwen in spells, but over the course of the match, MvG’s experience in these Premier League nights should prove decisive.
Prediction – Michael van Gerwen to win at 4/7
Luke Humphries vs Luke Littler
The headline clash of the night carries serious implications for both the night and the wider table.
Luke Humphries is still searching for his most dominant Premier League form, but his scoring base remains among the highest in the field when he clicks early.
Luke Littler continues to set the standard for raw scoring output in this competition. His ability to rattle off maximums in clusters makes him one of the hardest players to contain over short formats. Having won four of the last five meetings, it’s clear to see why he’s the favourite to come out on top.
Humphries certainly has the tools to match him in scoring periods, but Littler’s explosive bursts and current form cannot be ignored. The world champion can prevail in the final quarter-final.
Prediction – Luke Littler to win at 1/2
Night 12 outright winner
With consistency and control once again proving decisive, Jonny Clayton stands out as the most reliable option for the night title.
Clayton has been the standout performer of the Premier League season so far, regularly reaching latter stages, and he heads to Liverpool with yet another win under his belt after beating Littler in Rotterdam.
Even with the pressure mounting in recent weeks, Clayton’s ability to grind out tight matches and deliver under pressure continues to separate him from the chasing pack.
If he maintains his current level, he looks well positioned to go deep once again and claim yet another win.
Outright – Jonny Clayton to win Night 12
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