Paul Nicholson: “In MVG you have a man on a mission, but De Sousa presents a problem”

James Wade v Dimitri Van Den Bergh

Seeing as I have tipped Dimitri to make the top 4, and Wade to miss out from the very off, I am not going to go against Dimi getting the points out of this match. 

Even though the experience stakes are very different in this match, you cannot deny that the Belgian has played more consistently than Wade throughout the campaign. It isn’t my job to tell you who is going to make the top 4, it is my job here to inform you of who I think will win this match and why.

Wade has indeed found some new levels this year, average wise, away from the cameras but I feel Van Den Bergh can fly high average wise a little more regularly in this current darting climate, and that is why I feel he will nick this result. 

Some games are about the amount of chances you get, and how your scoring prowess develops those chances, and of these two, The Dreammaker will in my opinion cultivate more chances at the outer ring than James. 

If James can get a slightly better start though, he could fend Dimi off, but he is one tough cookie to palm off in pressure situations these days. The one thing that made me question whether James would win or lose here is just how money hungry he gets close to cheque signing time. He is renowned for being someone who is a darting money mercenary, but I still think he doesn’t get the victory here. 

The head to head record is rather unique too. 2 draws, 2 losses and 2 wins, so that little piece of symmetry will be ruined. 

Dimitri Van Den Bergh to win and have more 180’s than James – (11/4)

 

He's back on top of the Premier League and winning in front of fans again, much to his obvious enjoyment. @DanDartsDawson chats with Michael van Gerwen after looking impressive in his win over Gary Anderson. @MvG180 #Unibet180 | #PLDarts21 | @OfficialPDC pic.twitter.com/W0Cd0Ehkr1

— Unibet (@unibet) May 25, 2021

 

Michael Van Gerwen v Jose De Sousa

In Michael Van Gerwen, you have someone on a mission, and if he doesn’t accomplish it in this campaign, there will be questions amassed. That is what comes with being the dominant force in your generation. And in that generation you will be challenged by various talents of all ages, nationalities and methodologies. In De Sousa, he is confronted with a high scoring problem, and will have to stick with the maximum chomping Portuguese if he is to grab 2-points on the penultimate night of regular season action. 

De Sousa, still alive for the top 4, WILL cause many issues for MVG, but it is the times when De Sousa slips that intrigue me. If he does, Michael will have to pounce on them all to get the score he needs. Michael does beat Jose most of the time and he has done so every-time he has played him in 2021. I personally think that Jose may just miss out on that top-4 berth and this game may be the costly one. 

Michael will bring intensity that no other player will show with the crowd behind him. Don’t be surprised if there are a few boos for MVG too, as De Sousa has become immensely popular, but I still see Michael getting a very valuable victory. 

Michael Van Gerwen to win. I think it could be 8-6 if you fancy the exact scoreline – (EVS – 5/1) 

 

Accumulator of the Night 

 

MVG, Dimitri and Clayton to win – Click here to ADD DIRECTLY TO YOUR BETSLIP