Premier League Darts betting tips: Stephen Bunting to shine in Belfast on night one

The Premier League Darts begins in Belfast this week in what promises to be the most exciting edition of the competition since it began in 2005.

All eight players will be aiming to start the 16-week campaign well in Northern Ireland on night one, stamping their authority on the tournament.

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Quarter-final fixtures for night one in Belfast

• Chris Dobey vs Gerwyn Price
• Stephen Bunting vs Rob Cross
• Luke Littler vs Michael van Gerwen
• Nathan Aspinall vs Luke Humphries

Key talking points: Can Bunting and Littler make a statement in Belfast?

Stephen Bunting may have lost in the quarter-finals of the World Masters, but he has started the season well, winning the Bahrain Masters before reaching the final of the Dutch Masters, incidentally losing to Rob Cross, his opponent on night one.

Clashes between these two are often close, which makes this sport so exciting to bet on! Twice in their last six meetings, the result has been 6-5, while one game finished 6-4. Cross is on a seven-match unbeaten run against Bunting, but that could change in Belfast.

Chris Dobey has failed to build on a superb run to the semi-finals of the World Championship, losing three of his four games since. Including back-to-back first-round defeats in his previous two competitions.

Gerwyn Price lost to Bunting in the Bahrain final before reaching the semi-finals the following week. A defeat to an inspired Damon Heta at the World Masters last week shouldn’t dent his confidence, especially against an out-of-sorts Dobey. In 14 matches between the two, the Welshman has lost just twice.

Nathan Aspinall faced Luke Humphries at the Bahrain Masters a few weeks ago, losing a tight match 6-5. 

'The Asp’ finished the match with a higher average (101.9 vs 100.47), yet couldn’t close out the game despite leading 4-2 at one stage. 

This may certainly play on his mind, especially as ‘cool hand Luke’ won the World Masters against Johnny Clayton.

The blockbuster tie of night one is between Littler and Van Gerwen. The pair battled it out in the final of the World Championships just a few weeks ago, a game which Littler won without really having to get out of second gear.

Showing this sort of maturity at such a tender age is a sign of greatness and Littler is delivering. Even more remarkable is the fact the 18-year-old has won each of his last four matches against the Dutchman.

Since 2 February 2024, Littler has scored 834 180s compared to 468 for Van Gerwen. 

If the teenager opens up an early lead courtesy of his heavy scoring ability, then the three-time world champion could suffer a fifth consecutive defeat against Littler.

FIRST’s top tip for Premier League Darts night one

The pair may have suffered early exits at the World Masters, but given how impressive the Warrington-born player has been against Van Gerwen since September 2024. 

Plus his penchant for hitting 180s with ease, siding with Littler to see off Van Gerwen plus scoring the most 180s at evens on BetMGM is our best bet of the week.

Extra tips

Stephen Bunting to win night one – 7/1 (BetMGM)

Bunting won’t face either Luke (Humphries or Littler) until the final should he reach that stage. Given how well he has played of late, winning the opening night is achievable.

Chris Dobey most 180s vs Gerwyn Price – 11/10 (Betway)

In their clash at the World Championship, Dobey scored 12 180s to Price’s six. Furthermore, Dobey has recorded 79 more than the Welshman over the previous 12 months.

Stephen Bunting to win 6-4 vs Rob Cross – 11/2 (BetMGM)

Bunting’s recent form coupled with the fact that matches between these two are often close, points towards the recent Bahrain Masters champion securing a 6-4 win.

Odds correct at the time of writing.