Michael Smith v Nathan Aspinall

Here we go then: The semi-finals of the Worlds and we first look at the 1000/1 shot taking on the bloke that every man and their dog have seemingly backed. Smith just looks to have taken that step up this tournament: His power scoring has been Anderson-esque, and his tops and tens hitting has been incredible.

But Aspinall managed a 99 average in beating Dolan: believe me that is world class. He'll need to add 5 points probably to beat Smith, but that average will see him win sets. He's improved as the tournament has gone on so hopes will be that he continues to do so to make it a game. After much thought, I'm going for two correct scores because I can only see Smith ultimately winning and making a maiden final. 6-3 is joint favourite and it's the one that I would pick if choosing solo, but we'll double it up with 6-4, I think there's value in the price and either outcome will net us a tidy profit.

6-3 Smith - 1pt @ 5/1
6-4 Smith - 1pt @ 6/1

Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson

I'm not sure where this 'People's Final' nonsense that Sky are pushing out has come from, but it's the game of the tournament so far for so many reasons, and it's been helped by MVG's apparent vulnerability as of late. He's not looked as good as Anderson but it hasn't stopped the bookies giving Ando a healthy odds-against price.

One player has been starting quite slow while the other is on fire. But the bookies don't see it that way. They've got Anderson at 11/10 to win the first set, despite the Scotsman pretty much starting every game on the front foot. That's our first point of call.

Anderson first set winner - 2pts @ 11/10

We're two games away from the ante-post bet landing and it was always likely that Anderson would have to get past MVG on the way to a potential win. Of course he's got the game, and the experience and everything else. He just has to withstand the Dutchman's purple patches with heavy scoring of his own. If he goes more than 2 sets behind, I find it hard to make a case. Two years ago he couldn't keep up, but I think there's enough chinks in the World #1's armour to buoy Gary on, providing his back isn't causing too much grief. Anderson loves the long match (as evidenced by two last set wins already this year), Ando +1.5 offers enough value for me to get on, because all we need is 5 sets from him. Fingers crossed!

Anderson +1.5 - 2pts @ 1/1