Darts | Wednesday, April 13, 2022 9:10 AM (Revised at: Thursday, April 14, 2022 3:28 PM)

Premier League Darts Best Bet: Night 10, April 14th

Golf, Cricket and Darts Expert

A vintage Michael van Gerwen ruled the roost on Night Nine of the Premier League in Leeds, making it three wins in six weeks for the Green Machine.

But as the competition rolls into Manchester on Thursday, I’m looking towards the quarter-final “match with most 180s” market for my best bet, and the scoring power of Michael Smith and Joe Cullen.

After struggling at the start of his Premier League campaign, Smith has recorded two recent runner-up finishes, alongside an unlucky loss to Peter Wight last week – in which he averaged 102 and hit four 180s in just eight legs.

The Bully Boy has hit more 180s than any player on tour in 2022 and in his home event I’m expecting the St Helen’s man to have his scoring boots on.

Over the course of the Premier League Smith has hit 40 maximums at an average of 2.86 per match, which is the second highest average in the league, and only bettered by his opponent Joe Cullen.

The Rockstar has been filling up the inner ring on a regular basis this Premier League, hitting 48 in just 14 games, and averaging a whopping 3.43 180’s per match.

For this reason, I’m backing the pair to rack up the maximums in what should be a tightly fought encounter.

Among the other fixtures, the two lowest 180 hitters Gary Anderson and James Wade face off, while Gerwyn Price – who has only managed 25 180s thus far – plays Peter Wright.

Both Van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton arrive in fine form and pose a threat, however if the Dutchman finds his rampant best, I don’t see enough legs of darts being played to trouble the Smith vs Cullen tie.

If looking for a longer odds bet then you wouldn’t go far wrong backing Smith to reach the final at odds of 4.50 or win the night at odds of 9.00

But due to his draw, which sees him face either MVG or Clayton in the semi-final, I’ll be sticking to the 180’s market.