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This is the time of year when the speculation starts - I think 6 are certainties that can't fail to get in but the remaining 4 places are most certainly up for grabs.
MVG
Anderson
Taylor
Wright
Lewis
Barneveld
Then we have Robert Thornton, who despite playing shíte recently (mostly due to a few ailments) has earned his place more than any of the others below by wining a major and also doing so by beating MVG.
He deserves to be in it and more so because he was dropped last year after playing really well the previous year, so that Huybrechts could be accommodated.
James Wade seems to be a standing dish and although he doesn't win tournaments like in the old days, in my opinion his game is at a peak.
If Sky & co. are scrambling around to shoe-horn a newcomer/surprise candidate in then he may well come a cropper as he's 'upset' them before and they've hoofed him out but of course that was them only considering his welfare
It's a safe bet that Wadey was effing & blinding at his TV every week for a solid four months in 2014!
Dave Chisnall was brilliant in the Premier League last year and was very nearly a finalist - he proved earlier tonight in defeat against Wright that he's most certainly on the short list for consideration.
Stephen Bunting seemed to be overawed last year and hasn't done himself too many favours this term with many disappointing results. I get the impression he's a definite for consideration as he seems a Sky favourite and I remember them giving Wes Newton a rather undeserved second chance a couple of years back - could lightning strike twice?
Surely Kim Huybrechts can't be in with a chance, as despite acquitting himself well last season, he's done fcuk all to recommend himself this time.
Now for three eyebrow-raising candidates...one of whom could make his place automatic as we have a trio of surprise packages in the QF on Friday:
Michael Smith has somehow crawled his way up to No.8 in the rankings despite never seeming to get involved in the latter stages of the numerous tournaments over the season...that's a mystery for Arthur C. Clarke!
He's often exciting to watch but he's also very erratic and I get the impression he'll get bummed more often than Mark Webster did.
He's in with a squeak though as he has every chance of progressing even further against Barney on Friday and Sky are forever bigging him up.
One of Alan Norris or Jelle Klaasen WILL be a semi-finalist which I expect is a big surprise to many.
Like Bully Boy, it's in their hands to make themselves impossible to omit.
Jelletots was pretty shít when he last appeared in 2009 and propped up the table after Mardle's departure but his game is in far better shape than in those days.
I'll stick with the first six certainties I listed and from a personal point of view, I do hope Dave Chisnall gets another spot as well as Bob Thornton so that'd leave just two places.
It's gonna be interesting over the next few days and there'll be a few squeaky arse cheeks from some big-name players who figure they SHOULD be automatic choices.
I don't see how anyone else (apart from the 6 I mentioned) can be considered a sure-fire selection.
MVG
Anderson
Taylor
Wright
Lewis
Barneveld
Then we have Robert Thornton, who despite playing shíte recently (mostly due to a few ailments) has earned his place more than any of the others below by wining a major and also doing so by beating MVG.
He deserves to be in it and more so because he was dropped last year after playing really well the previous year, so that Huybrechts could be accommodated.
James Wade seems to be a standing dish and although he doesn't win tournaments like in the old days, in my opinion his game is at a peak.
If Sky & co. are scrambling around to shoe-horn a newcomer/surprise candidate in then he may well come a cropper as he's 'upset' them before and they've hoofed him out but of course that was them only considering his welfare
It's a safe bet that Wadey was effing & blinding at his TV every week for a solid four months in 2014!
Dave Chisnall was brilliant in the Premier League last year and was very nearly a finalist - he proved earlier tonight in defeat against Wright that he's most certainly on the short list for consideration.
Stephen Bunting seemed to be overawed last year and hasn't done himself too many favours this term with many disappointing results. I get the impression he's a definite for consideration as he seems a Sky favourite and I remember them giving Wes Newton a rather undeserved second chance a couple of years back - could lightning strike twice?
Surely Kim Huybrechts can't be in with a chance, as despite acquitting himself well last season, he's done fcuk all to recommend himself this time.
Now for three eyebrow-raising candidates...one of whom could make his place automatic as we have a trio of surprise packages in the QF on Friday:
Michael Smith has somehow crawled his way up to No.8 in the rankings despite never seeming to get involved in the latter stages of the numerous tournaments over the season...that's a mystery for Arthur C. Clarke!
He's often exciting to watch but he's also very erratic and I get the impression he'll get bummed more often than Mark Webster did.
He's in with a squeak though as he has every chance of progressing even further against Barney on Friday and Sky are forever bigging him up.
One of Alan Norris or Jelle Klaasen WILL be a semi-finalist which I expect is a big surprise to many.
Like Bully Boy, it's in their hands to make themselves impossible to omit.
Jelletots was pretty shít when he last appeared in 2009 and propped up the table after Mardle's departure but his game is in far better shape than in those days.
I'll stick with the first six certainties I listed and from a personal point of view, I do hope Dave Chisnall gets another spot as well as Bob Thornton so that'd leave just two places.
It's gonna be interesting over the next few days and there'll be a few squeaky arse cheeks from some big-name players who figure they SHOULD be automatic choices.
I don't see how anyone else (apart from the 6 I mentioned) can be considered a sure-fire selection.
Show More
6 certainties:
Michael van Gerwen
Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis
Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld
Peter Wright
2 most likelys:
Dave Chisnall
James Wade
then we've got:
Michael Smith, Robert Thornton, Jelle Klaasen - 1 of these 3 will miss out and be sething.
No chance: Bunting, Kim H
Michael van Gerwen
Gary Anderson
Adrian Lewis
Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld
Peter Wright
2 most likelys:
Dave Chisnall
James Wade
then we've got:
Michael Smith, Robert Thornton, Jelle Klaasen - 1 of these 3 will miss out and be sething.
No chance: Bunting, Kim H
WW - it seems like we're in agreement with our banker 6 and like you I don't think Bunting or Huybrechts deserve another shot this forthcoming campaign.
You're overlooking Alan Norris...what if he beats Klaasen and puts up a mega-show against Anderson or Wade?
He's definitely in with a chance as Jelle's more than beatable and I'd go as far to suggest that as good as he is, Klaasen's a dream opponent for a quarter-final.
Again, Anderson & Wade...as brilliant as they can be are far from unbeatable as they don't have the aura of MVG or the ruthless consistency of Taylor in his pomp.
ANYTHING can happen with set-play format and Norris wouldn't be without a chance if he made the semi.
Do you agree that Bob Thornton has earned his place more than Chisnall or Wade?
In reality, that pair have achieved little this last 12 months.
You're overlooking Alan Norris...what if he beats Klaasen and puts up a mega-show against Anderson or Wade?
He's definitely in with a chance as Jelle's more than beatable and I'd go as far to suggest that as good as he is, Klaasen's a dream opponent for a quarter-final.
Again, Anderson & Wade...as brilliant as they can be are far from unbeatable as they don't have the aura of MVG or the ruthless consistency of Taylor in his pomp.
ANYTHING can happen with set-play format and Norris wouldn't be without a chance if he made the semi.
Do you agree that Bob Thornton has earned his place more than Chisnall or Wade?
In reality, that pair have achieved little this last 12 months.
Alan Norris won't get a spot unless he makes the final. I doubt he'll beat Jelle
Chisnall and Wade seem far more 'Sky TV player' than Bob Thornton. If Smith and Klaasen both makes semi finals I could see Bob missing out. I don't know how much the panel will take into account bob winning the Grand Prix though. he probably does deserve it because of that but I don't know how the panel work. I think Chizzy and Wade will both get picked, pretty certain
as I said above, 1 out of Smith, Thornton and Klaasen will miss out. who will it be?
The next few days will give us a better idea but 50/1 pokes do come in sometimes...Norris is running for the bookies and would be a skinner!
I also think Jelletots will be too good for him but he's also very good at disappointing - that said, from 0-2 down against Taylor in that final set he was superb in reeling off the last four legs.
I also think Jelletots will be too good for him but he's also very good at disappointing - that said, from 0-2 down against Taylor in that final set he was superb in reeling off the last four legs.
yes Jelle is playing superb. If you think about it twice he 'gave' Taylor sets after missing a double for it himself. the scoreline of 4-1 Klaasen wouldn't have flattered him
He was a deserved winner but 4-1 would've been pushing it...he's wasn't THAT superior.
Got to be
MVG
Anderson
Taylor
Wright
Lewis
Barney
Wade
Chisnall
Smith (Michael, not Dennis)
Thornton
Only Norris or Klaasen winning the Worlds would make any difference imo.
MVG
Anderson
Taylor
Wright
Lewis
Barney
Wade
Chisnall
Smith (Michael, not Dennis)
Thornton
Only Norris or Klaasen winning the Worlds would make any difference imo.
Chuck now out of the reckoning and Wade's place has been seriously jeopardised after that limp performance - Jelle's done his chances a lot of good...especially with the 180s, 9-darter attempts and ultimately (as with the Taylor match) with showing a lot of bottle in some brilliant legs to close out the match when the pressure was on and the finishing line neared.
Now it's up to Bully Boy to enhance his claims.
Now it's up to Bully Boy to enhance his claims.
Smith is already in I would have thought. He deserves it and they have to have a minimum of one new face and there are zero other new face contenders.
The only decision they have left is Klaasen or Thornton to my mind. If Jelle makes the final then he would have to get the call you would think but if he is knocked out in the semis I could see them going either way.
The only decision they have left is Klaasen or Thornton to my mind. If Jelle makes the final then he would have to get the call you would think but if he is knocked out in the semis I could see them going either way.
Hello Rob - looking at your thread it seems we're mostly in agreement but how can you say Smith deserves a shot when he's not made a single semi yet?
Well, he's 8 in the world despite not making a semi which shows you how consistent he is. He's always in the last 16/last 8 and we're looking for the top 10 players. Plus he's very watchable in terms of speed and his power scoring. I don't think he's going to be out of place - He'll have the odd off week of course but generally he will be in the 95-102 bracket.
But the biggest reason that he gets in is that there is literally no other player making a case for being a debutant and I can't see Sky putting out 10 players that we have seen before.
But the biggest reason that he gets in is that there is literally no other player making a case for being a debutant and I can't see Sky putting out 10 players that we have seen before.
MVG
Anderson
Taylor
Wright
Lewis
Barney
Wade
Chisnall
Smith
Klaasen
Anderson
Taylor
Wright
Lewis
Barney
Wade
Chisnall
Smith
Klaasen
Yep thats my line up too Stratford. Although Thornton can feel a bit peeved given he has a major this year.
Think Klaasen will defo be in, the way he bangs in 180's and the amount of time he sets up 9 darters will appeal to Sky imvho!
I'm sure it was said there was only one place left up for grabs before the world's started,not sure if that's right.
So now we have all the evidence...besides the six certainties, MVG, Anderson, Taylor, Lewis, Wright & Barney, I suspect the remaining four places will be;
Chisnall
Thornton
Klaasen
Wade
Though I'd like to see Wade dropped for anyone else really...he just hasn't EARNED his spot but it's the same for any other candidates isn't it?
I think it'd be a travesty if Thornton's recent poor form due to health troubles wasn't overlooked...especially as he was a sacrificial lamb last year - he fully deserves another shot in my view.
I suspect Klaasen's appeal would be the excitement he'd bring with his fast pace, high scoring & 180s as well as the bottle he's shown in his recent performances.
Chisnall
Thornton
Klaasen
Wade
Though I'd like to see Wade dropped for anyone else really...he just hasn't EARNED his spot but it's the same for any other candidates isn't it?
I think it'd be a travesty if Thornton's recent poor form due to health troubles wasn't overlooked...especially as he was a sacrificial lamb last year - he fully deserves another shot in my view.
I suspect Klaasen's appeal would be the excitement he'd bring with his fast pace, high scoring & 180s as well as the bottle he's shown in his recent performances.
Klaasen, Thornton, Wade, Vincent, Kim...etc...I hardly bet in this any more...Constantly second guessing which player will be bothered to put a shift in each week. Not for me.
I'm one of many who couldn't care one jot for the Premier League Exhibition Extravaganza and the 10's of thousands who turn up each week on a jolly up...What if the top 8 went missing on a flight? A terrible thought and to post it, I know. PDC would be deep in it then...
Time to give players from lower down the rankings some quality tv stage time. The world champs has been evident of the gap in class and it's starting to out grow itself as the pdc monster gets bigger than ever. It's a shame as there's many top darters not getting their foot in the door. The sooner all pdc pro tour events are filmed/streamed live the better for all players. The advantage of tv exposure is taking darts to a new level (for the elite) while the rest act as bottom feeders.
We see it year on year...Players qualify for tv majors (played in front of hysterical crowds) via floor events (played in near silence behind closed doors) and many are simply fodder. Then there's the players who've showed they can hack it on tv but they draw the likes of MVG in the first round and disappear back in the talent pool only to fester away.
Got to give Uncle Barry and his team some credit as they've changed the criteria for Players Championship & European Championship. I veered off the PL a bit but hey...It's only a game of darts after all.
Snooker was the same...The old guard....ie the top 16 had a protected ranking and played in tv events...similar to the Darts World Series...Only the elite got in! And the rest of the players grew some balls and kicked up a stink!
I'm one of many who couldn't care one jot for the Premier League Exhibition Extravaganza and the 10's of thousands who turn up each week on a jolly up...What if the top 8 went missing on a flight? A terrible thought and to post it, I know. PDC would be deep in it then...
Time to give players from lower down the rankings some quality tv stage time. The world champs has been evident of the gap in class and it's starting to out grow itself as the pdc monster gets bigger than ever. It's a shame as there's many top darters not getting their foot in the door. The sooner all pdc pro tour events are filmed/streamed live the better for all players. The advantage of tv exposure is taking darts to a new level (for the elite) while the rest act as bottom feeders.
We see it year on year...Players qualify for tv majors (played in front of hysterical crowds) via floor events (played in near silence behind closed doors) and many are simply fodder. Then there's the players who've showed they can hack it on tv but they draw the likes of MVG in the first round and disappear back in the talent pool only to fester away.
Got to give Uncle Barry and his team some credit as they've changed the criteria for Players Championship & European Championship. I veered off the PL a bit but hey...It's only a game of darts after all.
Snooker was the same...The old guard....ie the top 16 had a protected ranking and played in tv events...similar to the Darts World Series...Only the elite got in! And the rest of the players grew some balls and kicked up a stink!
Speed, 180's galore! It's all about hitting that winning double.
how about the chinese fella who threw more out of the board than in it
he'd be great entertainment every week
he'd be great entertainment every week
Jan 1, 2016 -- 12:24PM, GRANTCKING wrote:
I agree with rob, think bullyboy is a cert
D&B - despite your assessment of the Premier League circus...I bet it still dominates your Thursday nights 
I can't believe that Smith's been given the nod ahead of Klaasen whose attributes put him in a far stronger position than Bully Boy in my opinion, so perhaps Sky are taking his photography prowess into account?
I've thought for several years Smith's head & shoulders above those youngsters trying to come through as he has unquestionable ability BUT there are more facets to the game which he hasn't got YET though they'll come in time.
I believe he's got NO CHANCE of winning this and you'd need your bumps feeling if you're contemplating the 16/1 on offer though he's 25/1 in a place - I wouldn't even take that price for him to reach the first four!
He just ain't got the balls for this tournament, he blows hot & cold, he's still temperamental, he's no battler and I suspect he'll be totally overawed by the crowds every week.
I reckon he's another Mardle/Webster/Newton and he'll get his arse ransacked every week which could well set him back for the season.
I think it's a year or two too early for him as he ain't got the maturity yet and I can't wait for the relegation prices to come out as his only chance of averting that is the hope that Thornton remains injured and Wade & Lewis bring their not-arsed attitude to it every week as they have done many times.
Whatever D&B thinks of this competition, it can be a make or break situation as some players thrive and others (like the above trio) can suffer badly.
I reckon Wright & Chisnall are made for this (their performances prove that) and it's probably their best chance of finding the 'elite' off-guard and going all the way with a big tournament victory.
Thornton was a revelation when he made his debut in this a few years ago and put in some brilliant performances...if he's on-song then that 66/1 will look very tempting.
PS - AND of course I'm disappointed that despite doing fcuk all as usual, Wade's in again - I think he brings very little to this event.
I can't believe that Smith's been given the nod ahead of Klaasen whose attributes put him in a far stronger position than Bully Boy in my opinion, so perhaps Sky are taking his photography prowess into account?
I've thought for several years Smith's head & shoulders above those youngsters trying to come through as he has unquestionable ability BUT there are more facets to the game which he hasn't got YET though they'll come in time.
I believe he's got NO CHANCE of winning this and you'd need your bumps feeling if you're contemplating the 16/1 on offer though he's 25/1 in a place - I wouldn't even take that price for him to reach the first four!
He just ain't got the balls for this tournament, he blows hot & cold, he's still temperamental, he's no battler and I suspect he'll be totally overawed by the crowds every week.
I reckon he's another Mardle/Webster/Newton and he'll get his arse ransacked every week which could well set him back for the season.
I think it's a year or two too early for him as he ain't got the maturity yet and I can't wait for the relegation prices to come out as his only chance of averting that is the hope that Thornton remains injured and Wade & Lewis bring their not-arsed attitude to it every week as they have done many times.
Whatever D&B thinks of this competition, it can be a make or break situation as some players thrive and others (like the above trio) can suffer badly.
I reckon Wright & Chisnall are made for this (their performances prove that) and it's probably their best chance of finding the 'elite' off-guard and going all the way with a big tournament victory.
Thornton was a revelation when he made his debut in this a few years ago and put in some brilliant performances...if he's on-song then that 66/1 will look very tempting.
PS - AND of course I'm disappointed that despite doing fcuk all as usual, Wade's in again - I think he brings very little to this event.
NG, I might do another weekly PL Comp on here (all 5 of us, and anyone else who wishes to join in) to at least keep it half interesting.
Making money week on week is tough to predict. Hence my stakes will be bottom line.
Making money week on week is tough to predict. Hence my stakes will be bottom line.
Seems like The Don nailed it exactly in his post...any chance of some random lottery numbers please 
Agree with all the choices bar Wade who apart from bringing zero charisma to the table also seems to be in decline although at least we will get to admire the amply breasted wife every week because he now seems like a little boy who isnt allowed to go anywhere without her...............shades of Mrs Merton and Malcolm if anyone remembers it 
How about these ten former pdc stars battling in out ala PL style in the local working men's club?
To Qualify For 2016 World Matchplay
Wes Newton 7/4
Andy Hamilton 7/2
Andy Smith 11/2
Ronnie Baxter 15/2
Paul Nicholson 10/1
Colin Lloyd 25/1
Mark Walsh 25/1
Colin Osborne 33/1
John Part 33/1
Mark Dudbridge 33/1
And people say the pdc is in rude health? It's all about the elite top 10/16...The rest are simply fodder...
To Qualify For 2016 World Matchplay
Wes Newton 7/4
Andy Hamilton 7/2
Andy Smith 11/2
Ronnie Baxter 15/2
Paul Nicholson 10/1
Colin Lloyd 25/1
Mark Walsh 25/1
Colin Osborne 33/1
John Part 33/1
Mark Dudbridge 33/1
And people say the pdc is in rude health? It's all about the elite top 10/16...The rest are simply fodder...
Yep. They're one of Sporting's Specials for the season
They'd have to reduce the number of legs or it'd take forever!
Navel-Gazer
I never win on the lottery, not even a tenner.
I think a few on here picked the 10, all the obvious candidates really and also the current top 10 ranked players I think?
I never win on the lottery, not even a tenner.
I think a few on here picked the 10, all the obvious candidates really and also the current top 10 ranked players I think?
No mate...we all speculated but only you named the 10 without equivocating
WOW! Michael Smith is 3/1 to be eliminated after week 9 - only one bookmaker so far offering odds, so a bigger price is likely to be available soon - I'll be all over that with a sizeable bet!
I'll also have a little bit on Adrian Lewis at 9/1 to go through the trap door as you can see from his attitude/performances that it's an inconvenience to him - again, I expect to find a higher price before the event starts.
I wonder can I have a dual forecast on the two to prop up the league?
I'll also have a little bit on Adrian Lewis at 9/1 to go through the trap door as you can see from his attitude/performances that it's an inconvenience to him - again, I expect to find a higher price before the event starts.
I wonder can I have a dual forecast on the two to prop up the league?
PS - Robert Thornton should be deeply insulted that he's the 1/2 fav to play just 9 matches...that may well spur on his recovery.
NG u really dont like michael smith do u, boys an amazing talent
Grant - I DO mate...it's just that he has plenty of flaws in his game though he is an outstanding prospect.
As I posted earlier in this thread...I've given plenty of reasons and I'm gonna put my money where my mouth is - I think it largely depends on whether Bob is fit & well and if so, that 3/1 is a gift!
As I posted earlier in this thread...I've given plenty of reasons and I'm gonna put my money where my mouth is - I think it largely depends on whether Bob is fit & well and if so, that 3/1 is a gift!
Jan 6, 2016 -- 10:36AM, Navel-Gazer wrote:
WOW! Michael Smith is 3/1 to be eliminated after week 9 - only one bookmaker so far offering odds, so a bigger price is likely to be available soon - I'll be all over that with a sizeable bet!I'll also have a little bit on Adrian Lewis at 9/1 to go through the trap door as you can see from his attitude/performances that it's an inconvenience to him - again, I expect to find a higher price before the event starts.I wonder can I have a dual forecast on the two to prop up the league?
the 2 players relegated will be Thornton & Wade
Have you got a crystal ball?
Don't forget it's your turn to run the weekly PL comp so start planning ahead...
Don't forget it's your turn to run the weekly PL comp so start planning ahead...
webster if webster got in id have my account on him finishing bottom
if webster got in id have my account on him finishing bottom
Only Betway are offering odds so far and Michael Smith is still 3/1 to be eliminated after 9 weeks BUT he's 10/1...let me repeat that...10/1 to finish
bottom!
You've been warned...he's got minuscule gonads and he's going down.
bottom!
You've been warned...he's got minuscule gonads and he's going down.
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