The Premier League darts’ countdown to the O2 is accelerating at a relentless pace, and following Liverpool’s turn to host this Thursday, just four weeks will remain to secure one of those coveted play-off berths.
League leader – and all but assured of his place in London next month – Jonny Clayton faces hometown favourite Stephen Bunting, who will relish the chance to perform in front of a partisan Merseyside crowd. The Bullet may well have the backing on the night, but sentiment alone will not suffice – it is points he desperately needs if he is to force his way into the play-off picture.
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As far as things for The Ferret go, he has some wiggle room but would sooner get the job done as quickly as possible.
It feels rather fitting that, on St George’s Day, the two highest-ranked Englishmen in the world – and indeed the top two full stop – go head-to-head. Encounters between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries never fail to captivate. While their frequent Thursday-night clashes may slightly dilute the novelty, the quality remains undeniable. Barring something extraordinary, Littler has done enough to mount a charge for a second Premier League crown, whereas for reigning champion Humphries, the situation is beginning to carry a sense of urgency.
Despite sitting at the foot of the table, Josh Rock is the only player to have recorded a match win in each of the last four weeks. To extend that run, however, he must overcome Michael van Gerwen. Realistically, anything short of a blistering surge between now and the campaign’s end – likely requiring multiple nightly victories – will see the Northern Irishman’s challenge fade. As for the Dutch great, he finds himself in a similar predicament to Humphries: still firmly in contention, currently occupying fourth place, but far from secure.
Opening the night is a compelling clash between Gerwyn Price and Gian van Veen. The Iceman currently occupies third place in the table and holds a healthy six-point cushion over Luke Humphries, who remains the closest challenger just outside the qualification spots.
Fresh from Euro Tour success in Sindelfingen, where he moved into double figures for titles, Price arrives in formidable form.
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Van Veen, meanwhile, has yet to rediscover his rhythm since returning from surgery. Time is beginning to slip away, and unless he rediscovers his explosive best, his hopes of reaching London in his debut Premier League campaign may quickly evaporate.
It is not quite panic stations just yet. But for those with designs on lifting the trophy in May, the margin for error is rapidly diminishing, and every remaining night carries increasing significance.
2026 PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS – NIGHT TWELVE FIXTURES
Liverpool, England (23rd April)
Quarter-Finals
Gian van Veen vs Gerwyn Price
Stephen Bunting vs Jonny Clayton
Josh Rock vs Michael van Gerwen
Luke Humphries vs Luke Littler
——ENDS——
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