Three tips and a treble as the Premier League roadshow rolls on.
Peter Wright v Mensur Suljovic
The enigmatic Austrian is just as puzzling when it comes to his tournament stats. Second bottom in the averages, bottom of the 180s count, and yet just outside the playoffs. One of the reasons he is succeeding is the pace in which he controls the game, and the 140 scoring, which constantly sees him there or thereabout in legs.
With Wright on a wretched run of form (no win since week 5), Suljovic has to represent a good price at evens. If he gets on top early, he should be able to wear Wright down and take the win.
Daryl Gurney v Michael van Gerwen
Despite having played four more games, MVG has conceded fewer legs than Raymond van Barneveld, who exited the tournament on Judgement Night. He had his wings clipped against Wade who performed amazingly to get the draw, and Gurney could well test him further if he averages something like his displays over the last four weeks.
Bookies giving the Northern Irishman 3.5 legs on the handicaps looks quite generous for me. Gurney beat MVG in Berlin two months ago and in my mind will produce another battling display here.
James Wade v Gerwyn Price
The Machine isn’t half reliable in his scoring. With 214 scores of a ton or more, he’s 17 higher in that regard to anyone else, and 39 clear of the Welshman. But he has five less 180s than Price and it’s here where I think there is value.
Price has smacked in six over the last two matches, with Wade hitting three in that time, despite winning one game 8-2 and having a 103 average in the other. Therefore Price most 180s completes this week’s selections.
