2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts - Newcastle: Betting Tips

• Jonny Clayton To Win: 5/4 at Ladbrokes

Josh Rock fully merits his selection for this year’s Premier League and will make his debut tonight in Newcastle. Following another outstanding season, the Northern Irishman has climbed to world number eight and continues to establish himself among the game’s elite.

Jonny Clayton has been knocking on the door for a Premier League return and finally earned his place this year. The former champion will be keen to start strongly, and facing a debutant could work in his favour.

Clayton brings a wealth of Premier League experience, despite this being his first appearance since 2023. Importantly, The Ferret has never failed to reach the play-offs in his three previous campaigns. That experience, coupled with his proven ability to peak in this format, could see him get the better of Rock in this opener.

• Under 9.5 180s: 4/5 at BoyleSports

Luke Littler continued his dominance last week with victory at the Winmau World Masters. The Nuke consistently finds an extra gear when it matters most, particularly under pressure - a priceless trait that many players never truly develop. The teenager shows no signs of slowing down; if anything, he looks even hungrier, which is an ominous warning for the rest of the field.

Gian van Veen makes his Premier League debut in Newcastle following a huge breakthrough year in 2025. The Dutchman suffered a humbling 5–0 defeat to Luke Humphries in the World Masters quarter-finals, but that result is unlikely to leave lasting scars, as Cool Hand was outstanding on the day.

These two look set to be long-term rivals, but for now, Littler appears to be operating on a different level altogether. I expect him to lay down another marker this evening and brush van Veen aside with ease.

• Over 9.5 Legs: 20/21 at AK Bets

Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price are arguably the only two players in the world who consistently push and occasionally beat Luke Littler. They'll both be eager to start well during their Premier League campaigns, especially after they both lost out in a deciding set in last week's World Masters, Price in the semi-finals and Humphries in the final, against The Nuke.

I find it hard to split these two. Humphries is certainly more consistent, but Price can be so explosive. Both are in fabulous form, so I can see this being a tight, high-quality contest.

• Stephen Bunting Most 180s: 11/10 at Betway

Stephen Bunting has come in for criticism after labelling himself the 'people’s champion,' with that scrutiny intensifying following his selection for the Premier League, where some felt his inclusion was undeserved.

That said, The Bullet enjoyed an excellent 2025 campaign and, in my view, fully merits another opportunity in this tournament. He will be eager to respond after a humiliating defeat to Danny Noppert at the World Masters, and if he can settle early, he remains a very dangerous opponent.

Michael van Gerwen also endured a disappointing World Masters, exiting in the opening round with a 3-1 loss to Damon Heta. The Dutchman has since stated publicly that he is not a fan of the current Premier League format and will be placing greater focus on ranked majors this season.

That doesn’t diminish his competitiveness or desire to win another Premier League title, but with so much prize money to defend on his ranking this year, Van Gerwen will be under pressure to deliver consistently across the season.

I can see this being a nervy encounter, with both players keen to make a statement after underwhelming performances at last week’s World Masters. Even when out of form, Bunting tends to find plenty of maximums, and for that reason, 11/10 looks excellent value here.