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The Premier League is just a few days away, and Phill Catterick has penned another preview of all the action, and he has also made some predictions about what the outcomes of this week’s matchups will be.

The anticipation and excitement is very nearly over. The Whyte and MacKay Premier Dart League is just two days away now, and the opening evening could not have provided a much better fixture to wet the appetite as Phil Taylor takes on Raymond Van Barneveld in a repeat of the World Final.

The Echo Arena in Liverpool will stage the event with the world finalists being joined by James Wade, John Part, Terry Jenkins, Wayne Mardle, Jelle Klaasen and Mervyn King in the most competitive field the event has had to date.

With four World Champions on the roster, the competition is bound to be fierce and the race for the play-off night at Wembley is certain to go right to the wire.

And every player will be looking to get off to the perfect start by claiming maximum points in their first match, and we take a look at the fixtures and possible outcomes.

James Wade v John Part

The `Darth Maple` comes into this tournament perhaps with the most to prove after a dismal follow up to his World Championship victory over Kirk Shepherd at the start of last season. His performances in the Premier League were far from impressive, and will want to give the big boys a real fright this time around.

However, James Wade isn’t World number three for nothing and I think he will prove to be a bit too much on the night over the short format. Part will need to be at his best to take anything off `The Machine. `

Phill’s Prediction: Wade 8-3 Part

 

Jelle Klaasen v Terry Jenkins

Both of these players will be looking for a good start to maximise their chances of being in the top four, and I believe both will definitely be in the mix come the closing stages. Klaasen contests the event for the very first time since joining the PDC, and I predict he will be the surprise package in the Premier League this season.

Jenkins hasn’t been in particularly good form recently, and he will be looking to mark a comeback against the quick throwing Dutchman. He has yet to win his first televised tournament having been beat in every single one he has been involved in, and perhaps this is playing on his mind. And considering the form of both players, I think Klaasen will make a flying start.

Phill’s prediction: Klaasen 8-5 Jenkins

 

Mervyn King v Wayne Mardle

Likewise to Klaasen, `The King` makes his first appearance in the Premier League after a successful run of form. His victory against Barrie Bates at the Ally Pally guaranteed his place, and will be a match for anybody when on form.

Mardle has always struggled with consistency, and I believe this will again cost him throughout the competition. Unfortunately I see `Hawaii 501` fighting at the bottom of the league with John Part, but I’m sure he will give as good as he’s got.

Phill’s prediction: King 8- 4 Mardle

 

Raymond Van Barneveld v Phil Taylor

And the titans will get it on in the final game of the evening as the 2007 World Champ takes on the 2009 victor, and although many would see this tough to call, Taylor is in devastating form, and his relentlessness will be for all to see in this contest. He has already won three tournaments since the World final, and I can’t see him losing a match in any format anytime soon.

Of course, the only man who could prove me wrong right now is Van Barneveld, who has always sprung a surprise against the great man, although after his embarrassing defeat in early January, I think this might play on his mind, and he will have to perform out of his skin if he is to deny Taylor maximum points.

Phill’s prediction: Barneveld 5-8 Taylor