Premier League Darts: Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall Set for Key Sheffield Clash in Race to Make Playoffs
The Premier League Darts campaign is heating up, with several players still in the running to secure a spot in the playoffs. According to Sky Sports, Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall are set to face off in a crucial quarter-final encounter at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Thursday, May 22.
Van Gerwen, a three-time Premier League champion, has had a difficult campaign so far, failing to win a single night. The Dutchman currently sits in fifth place in the standings, and his hopes of making the playoffs are dwindling. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Van Gerwen admitted that it’s “hurting” to be in this position, but he’s determined to turn things around. “I’m a winner, not a loser, and when you’re not performing to your capability then of course you need to be hurt, otherwise that’s not a good sign,” he said.
Van Gerwen’s struggles have led some to question whether his time at the top has come to an end. However, he remains confident that he still has plenty to offer. “I’m still young, I’m only 36 years old and still have, in my opinion, a long career ahead of me,” he said. “You need to make sure you believe in yourself, and that’s why I’m still doing it.”
Aspinall, on the other hand, is in a strong position to secure a spot in the playoffs. The Mancunian has won four consecutive games against Van Gerwen and is looking to make it five in a row. In an interview with Sky Sports, Aspinall said he’s feeling confident and believes he has Van Gerwen “in his pocket” at the moment. “The confidence is sky high,” he said. “I’ve had a great two months, I’m playing some really good stuff and my throw is getting better week in, week out.”
Aspinall’s goal is to finish third in the standings, which would see him avoid Luke Littler in the semi-finals. Aspinall has a poor record against Littler, and he’s eager to avoid facing him again. “I’m not going to sit here and lie, everyone knows my record against Littler is absolutely abysmal,” he said.
The Premier League continues at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Thursday, May 22, with Van Gerwen and Aspinall set to clash in a crunch quarter-final encounter. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action from 7pm, and can also be streamed with NOW.
Fixtures for Night 16 at the Utilita Arena, Sheffield:
* Quarter-finals:
+ Luke Littler vs Stephen Bunting
+ Nathan Aspinall vs Michael van Gerwen
+ Luke Humphries vs Rob Cross
+ Gerwyn Price vs Chris Dobey
Sky Sports will once again be the home of the Premier League in 2025, with every night exclusively live along with the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and more. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
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