Premier League Darts 2021: Who Is Likely to Make the Cut?

The 2020 Premier League Darts may have only concluded in mid-October, butmany fans are already looking ahead to next year's event. With the line-up typically announced at the beginning of January, there has predictably been plenty of speculation about which players are likely to get the nod in 2021. The tournament is held between February and May and has become extremely popular since its inception in 2005. Next year's schedule will include the Brighton Centre and Berlin's Mercedes-Benz Arena on the list along with a number of familiar venues.

 

 

The Usual Protagonists

Despite a number of underwhelming displays in this event during 2020, world number one Michael Van Gerwen is almost certain to return, and he will be desperate to regain his crown this time around. Reigning champion Glen Durrant will also feature despite suffering a recent dip in form. Meanwhile, Peter Wright, Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price, and last year's finalist Nathan Aspinall will all likely be heading to Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena at the beginning of February too.

 

In with a Chance 

Dimitri Van den Bergh has enjoyed a breakthrough in 2020. Although a knee injury has negatively impacted the second half of his campaign, he will be hoping that he's done enough to merit a place on the Premier League roster. He's 20/1 in the latest online betting for the PDC World Championship, and his success at the World Matchplay this summer has certainly helped boost his profile. He's currently ninth in the PDC Order of Merit, and having made it to the final eight at Alexandra Palace last year, he may just have done enough to impress PDC chairman Barry Hearn.

Quarter-finalist of the aforementioned World Matchplay, Krzysztof Ratajski is also in with a chance. Masters quarter-finalist Dave Chisnall will also be hoping to return to the competition.

 

Outside Chances

Jose De Sousa is on an upward curve as he has recently become the PDC's newest major champion when triumphing in theGrand Slam of Darts and is certainly worthy of consideration. He's now competed in ten televised events, and the Portuguese thrower is highly likely to take that momentum into 2021. Although he would likely be priced up as an outsider for the tournament, many believe that he could easily hold his own in the Premier League. Simon Whitlock may also fancy his chances of making his return to the event. After making it through to the final four of the Grand Prix and the Grand Slam of Darts this year, he cannot be completely dismissed.

 

 

In Danger of Missing Out

2020 was a hugely underwhelming year for former world champion Rob Cross, who finished bottom of the Premier League. Voltage struggled to find his rhythm throughout the competition and won just one of his nine matches. With a number of talented up-and-coming players desperately hoping to be given the chance to shine, Cross is in real danger of missing out this time around. Outside of reaching the semi-final of the UK Open, Daryl Gurney's season has been far from vintage, and the Northern Irishman may also be overlooked.

The Premier League is one of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar.With only a limited number of spots up for grabs, there will almost certainly be one or two surprise inclusions, as well as a couple of notable omissions.

 

Premier League - Past Winner

 

Year	Winner	Score		Score	Runner-up
2020	Glen Durrant	11	-	8	Nathan Aspinall
2019	Michael van Gerwen	11	-	5	Rob Cross
2018	Michael van Gerwen	11	-	4	Michael Smith
2017	Michael van Gerwen	11	-	10	Peter Wright
2016	Michael van Gerwen	11	-	3	Phil Taylor
2015	Gary Anderson	11	-	7	Michael van Gerwen
2014	Raymond van Barneveld	10	-	6	Michael van Gerwen
2013	Michael van Gerwen	10	-	8	Phil Taylor
2012	Phil Taylor	10	-	7	Simon Whitlock
2011	Gary Anderson	10	-	4	Adrian Lewis
2010	Phil Taylor	10	-	8	James Wade
2009	James Wade	13	-	8	Mervyn King
2008	Phil Taylor	16	-	8	James Wade
2007	Phil Taylor	16	-	6	Terry Jenkins
2006	Phil Taylor	16	-	6	Roland Scholten
2005	Phil Taylor	16	-	4	Colin Lloyd