- Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen have shared the last four world titles
- Danny Noppert won the UK Open and reached the semi-finals of the World Matchplay
- Recommended Bet: Michael van Gerwen to win outright

For many sporting fans, the World Darts Championship is one of the highlights of Christmas and there could be a familiar name about to light up the Alexandra Palace.

This is the pinnacle of darts and that is why the cream tends to rise to the top, with Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen, the current three best players on the planet, sharing the last four titles between them.

Wright is the reigning champion at Ally Pally and also prevailed in 2020, while Price will be hungry for more success having claimed a first piece of World Championship silverware in 2021.

However, three-time winner Van Gerwen could be the arrowsmith they all have to beat as he bids to end a four-year World Championship drought.

Many also feel last year's runner-up Michael Smith is ready to go one better after bringing his Major hoodoo to an end at this season’s Grand Slam of Darts.

But there are a number of rising stars coming through the ranks, with Luke Humphries and Josh Rock two more names on the tip of everyone's tongue.

Green Machine could take some stopping

With defending champion Wright struggling to find his best form and world number one Price potentially already at a disadvantage in needing to win over the boo boys, MvG's claims are strong.

The Green Machine has looked back to the imperious levels he set when last winning this event in 2019, with title triumphs in the Premier League, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals highlighting his formidable form this year

An opening game with Niels Zonneveld or Lewy Williams holds no fears while Mensur Suljovic, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Ross Smith are the big guns that stand in the way of a quarter-final spot.

From there, past champions Rob Cross or Gary Anderson would be the most daunting opponents, although over a best-of-nine set format it is unlikely either can live with MvG’s scoring touch.

Wright is another housed in the bottom half of the draw but there are plenty of dangers for him to worry about before a semi-final spot as Dimitri Van den Bergh, Jonny Clayton, Nathan Aspinall and emerging star Rock are also sandwiched in a star-studded quarter.

So this looks like a gilt-edged chance for Van Gerwen, who has rediscovered his cocksure character, and at 5/2 with LiveScore Bet to take the title he still makes plenty of appeal.

Consistent Noppert capable of causing a stir

If there is to be a surprise at this year's World Championship then UK Open champion Danny Noppert could be the player capable of delivering it.

Noppert has discovered a level of consistency few players have matched this year and as well as beating Smith to the UK title, he has also made the semi-final of the World Matchplay and the quarter-final of the European Championship and Players Championship Finals.

The 31-year-old is a heavy scorer, with a level head, and has landed in a very winnable first quarter, especially if Price gets no love from what is going to be a raucous crowd.

Richie Edhouse or David Cameron await Noppert in round two while on current form he has the beating of Daryl Gurney, James Wade and Gabriel Clemens, suggesting he has every chance of making the last eight and, at worst, teeing up a mouthwatering clash with Price.

At 9/2 with LiveScore Bet he looks good value to come through that top quarter and, therefore, is overpriced at 33/1 with LiveScore Bet to take the title.

The 3/1 with LiveScore Bet for Humphries to win the second quarter, which last year's runner-up Bully Boy is favourite for, makes appeal too.

Cool Hand Luke has been a quarter-finalist at the World Championship in three of the last four years and semi-final runs at the Grand Slam of Darts and the European Championship suggest this treble 20-hitting machine is now primed to go all the way.