It’s almost time for one of the sporting highlights of the year – The PDC World Darts Championship. It’s set to be another year of darting drama, amazing matches and remarkable storylines. The action begins on Friday and will culminate on the 3rd of December when the final takes place.

Michael van Gerwen, of course, finds himself as the 5/4 favourite. He is looking to retain his title and in the process become World Champion for the fourth time. Gerywn Price is second in the betting, currently at 5/1 after his sensational performance in the Grand Slam and he followed it up in the Players Championship only to just lose out to MVG. The usual suspects are next including Peter Wright at 14/1, Rob Cross (16/1), Michael Smith (22/1) and two time world champion Gary Anderson a 25/1 shot.

Sadly, I think Gary is past his best now due to all his injuries and whilst he is a fabulous player, I think his world ranking of five slightly flatters him. Rob Cross is struggling badly for form but he loves the big stage and the former World Championship will be eager to find some rhythm coming into the next few weeks. He has a pretty tough quarter to navigate with the likes of Peter Wright and the in-form Dave Chisnall. Glenn Durrant is drawn in the fourth quarter for his first ever PDC World Championship and will be interesting to follow. Daryl Gurney will be disappointed with his recent performances and should both Superchin and Duzza get through their first matches, a tasty encounter beckons so early in the tournament between the pair of them.

Looking at the outright market, it looks pretty difficult to find any value in a lot of the players. I wouldn’t mind a ticket for Price at the 16/1 available before the Grand Slam but that is long gone and I am going to look elsewhere.

One player who I do think is overpriced is Ian White at 66/1. There are players shorter in the betting than him who are not playing at his level at the moment. He lost in the Players Championship finals to Michael van Gerwen, as he did in the Grand Slam, but gave him very good games both times and he seems to finally be bringing his floor game to the big stage. He is in the first quarter along with van Gerwen here and may well lose out to him again but I think he is too big at 66/1 and worth a squeak at the odds.

Ian White - 0.25pts e/w @ 66/1

That is it for any outright winner selections but I think there are some decent bets elsewhere to be had. Firstly, I like the look of Michael Smith to win his quarter at 3/1. The World number four lost to Ian White at the Players Championship finals but barring that effort he has been in good form lately. Runner-up here last year, his talent is there for all to see and he has a pretty easy quarter to navigate.

Michael Smith to win Quarter 2 - 2pts @ 3/1

Into the final quarter and Gerywn Price at 5/4 cannot go unbacked. The Welshman is in simply sensational form and it is scary to think he is only getting better. There are some good players in here but, simply put, he is better than all of them and will be oozing with confidence. He seems to have turned the crowds too which only further enhances his cause.

Gerywn Price to win Quarter 4 - 2pts @ 5/4

Another player from this quarter who caught my eye was Chris Dobey who is worth a small interest at 14/1. The Geordie is constantly improving and is climbing up the world rankings. He gave Price a very good game in the Players Championship Finals and put in a good showing at the Ally Pally last year getting to the last 16.

Chris Dobey to win Quarter 4 - 0.5pts @ 14/1

Looking at the 180s markets, I think both Michael Smith at 10/1 and Chizzy at 10/1 as well are worth a bet at the prices. Of course this is dependent on how deep into the tournament they go but if they put a run together the rate at which they hit 180s will be up there. Few can live with them when they are hitting the triple 20 bed.

Micheal Smith most 180s - 0.5pts @ 10/1
Dave Chisnall most 180s - 0.5pts @ 10/1

The final two selections come from the straight forecast market. They do seem pretty obvious but both Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price are miles ahead of the rest of the players out there. A rivalry is beginning to form and it would be some spectacle if they were to both make it to the final.

It may not be plain sailing but they both should be in the business end of this tournament. If they can get through the early rounds avoiding any shocks, the long-winded format of the games means their class should prevail and result in them facing each other in the final. I will go for the straight forecast on both combinations. They pay 4/1 and 16/1 respectably.

Michael Van Gerwen/Gerwyn Price Straight Forecast - 1pt @ 4/1
Gerywn Price/Michael Van Gerwen Straight Forecast - 1pt @ 16/1