PDC World Darts semis: Barney and MVG to book Ally Pally finale
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Only four remain at the PDC Darts World Championships as we predict Raymond van Barneveld to dump out a below-par Phil Taylor and reigning champion Michael van Gerwen to stop Gary Anderson’s charge in a nail biter.
Below we offer up two bets apiece on the arrow-slinging action from Saturday night’s semis beamed lived into your living rooms from London’s famous Alexandra Palace.
Michael van Gerwen to beat Gary Anderson @ 4/9
Meetings between these top talents are rarely one-sided, but Mighty Mike holds a clear advantage in the overall head-to-head tally, leading the Flying Scotsman 15-7.
As well as bettering Anderson in two of three Premier League clashes in 2014 – including their last encounter in the semi-final – MVG won a deciding-set thriller at the round-of 16 stage in this competition a year ago.
Both men’s form has been super impressive to this point in terms of legs and sets dropped, though what should really tell here is Van Gerwen’s clinical finishing, where he boasts a six per cent higher checkout average than the Scot.
Total Legs: Over (37.5) @ 5/6
Given their last clash was that Premier League classic which finished 8-7 at this stage and their accuracy at the oche has been first-class at Ally Pally, another barnstormer should be in store.
Raymond van Barneveld to beat Phil Taylor @ 11/4
One of the most classic match ups in the PDC arena sees 2007 champion and current Premier League title-holder Barney take on his old foe and 14-time winner of this event Taylor.
Though historically the Power has always relished this rivalry far more (50-4-12) the pair drew 6-6 twice in this year’s Premier League, before the Dutchman dumped Taylor out in the last four 8-5.
The pride of the Potteries has been a little out of sync in his previous two Ally Pally matches, needing to come from behind twice in tense affairs, taking eight swipes at one double against Vincent van der Voort in the quarters.
Having already accounted for double PDC world champion Adrian Lewis and current BDO world champ Stephen Bunting en route, a resurgent
Barney can add Taylor’s scalp to his list.
Most 180’s in the match: Van Barneveld @ 8/13
The stats are too stark to ignore where maximums are concerned. Barney has fired in 28 over the tournament compared to only 15 180s in north London for Taylor.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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