Following a sensational run to a Night 12 victory, Nathan Aspinall returns to the stage in an effort to maintain his position in the top four of the Premier League Darts standings as the circus heads to Liverpool.
'The Asp' overcame a lacklustre Peter Wright, world champion Luke Humphries and 'Bully Boy' Michael Smith to claim five points on an evening where some of the world's best players struggled with a cross-stage draft.
Aspinall has now recorded five final appearances in the last nine weeks, but faces a tough quarter-final opponent this week in the form of 'Cool Hand Luke'.
Current meetings between the two have been dominated by Humphries – he's 5-2 since May 2023 – including a 3-2 record in this season's Premier League.
However, Aspinall boasts a higher Premier League average (96.71-95.77), more 180s (15-13) and a higher first nine-dart average (110.29-105.08) over the last month.
Another factor is that Humphries stated at this weekend's European Darts Grand Prix that he will take a three-week break from the European Tour, showing that the current world champion is mentally fatigued.
These factors offer some optimism for the Aspinall victory at 7/4, with Humphries a 2/5 favourite. The winner of this match faces a tough semi-final draw against either Luke Littler or Gerwyn Price.
The pair have met three times in 2024, with the 17-year-old prodigy winning two of the contests. However, it's Price who has been the hot hand over the last month topping the Premier League in average (99.67), most 180s (23) and he also bests Littler in checkout percentage (43.94-41.38%)
Again, the upset might be the play, with 'The Iceman' priced at a handsome 5/4.
The bottom half of the draw sees Michael van Gerwen duel with 'Snakebite' Wirght, and Michael Smith battle Rob Cross
'MVG' against Wright looks like a mismatch once again – he demolished the Scotsman 6-2 in their only meeting this season. Wright has lost seven matches in a row in all competitions, with just two wins in13 games.
However, he does boast three victories in his last four matches against 'Mighty Mike', but banking on the eccentric talent is beyond question, the Dutchman to win at 2/9 is an easy parlay addition, with MVG to win by 6-3 or better is 8/11.
Meanwhile, Cross against Smith is vital for the latter who currently resides outside of the final four. 'Voltage' boasts an impressive record against 'Bully Boy' winning 19 of their last 25 meetings. 11/10 for Cross is viable.
Best Bets – Triple (6.56/1)
· Nathan Aspinall to beat Luke Humphries - 5/4
· Gerwyn Price to beat Luke Littler – 7/4
· Michael van Gerwen to beat Peter Wright – 2/9
