World Matchplay Day 3 predictions: Four selections in Monday's acca
- Day 3 World Matchplay acca: Pays out at 11/2
- Over 16.5 legs in Damon Heta vs Ryan Searle
- Gary Anderson to beat Michael Smith
- Luke Littler to beat Michael van Gerwen
- Chris Dobey to beat Richie Edhouse
There are four top-level first-round World Matchplay contests at the Winter Gardens on Monday evening, with two of the games worthy of a Blackpool final.
Former world champions Gary Anderson and Michael Smith clash in round one, while there is also a blockbuster Blackpool clash between Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler.
Monday, 7.10pm
Bet 1: Over 16.5 legs in Damon Heta vs Ryan Searle
Damon Heta and Ryan Searle can barely be split in the match winner market and the Winter Gardens could be treated to a protracted battle.
Two of the last four meetings between the in-form duo have gone to a deciding leg and their most recent meeting in April ended in a 6-5 Heta victory.
The Aussie averaged 100.27 to Searle’s 97.21 in that European Tour contest and both arrowsmiths are putting up numbers inside the top 10 on the Pro Tour this term.
A closely-fought contest looks likely at the Winter Gardens and backing over 16.5 legs looks a play.
Monday, 8pm
Bet 2: Gary Anderson to beat Michael Smith
Anderson takes on Smith in a heavyweight World Matchplay clash and the FlyingScotsman looks good value to steam to victory.
The 53-year-old Anderson lifted the Blackpool crown back in 2018 and that was the last time the Scot got his hands on a major trophy.
However, Anderson has been better than ever on the Pro Tour of late and no player is putting up a better average than the Flying Scotsman this term and first-nine numbers of 111.19 are simply staggering.
Smith has bags of class, but Bully Boy could struggle to contain a rampant Anderson.
Monday, 8.50pm
Bet 3: Luke Littler to beat Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen was once the dominant darting force, but Mighty Mike’s aura has slipped and Littler is the rising star.
The Nuke, who is the current Premier League champion, has claimed a whole host of titles in European Tour, World Series and Player Championship events this term and we still do not really know where the ceiling of Littler's ability lies.
MVG is a three-time World Matchplay champion, but the Dutchman looks to be heading for a first-round defeat.
Monday, 9.40pm
Bet 4: Chris Dobey to beat Richie Edhouse
Monday night’s action is completed by the tie between Chris Dobey and Richie Edhouse.
Dobey really should have his eyes on the Matchplay prize given his performances this season, and it will be interesting to see if Hollywood can maintain his challenge throughout the tournament.
Only Anderson is putting up a better average on the Pro Tour this season and the Bedlington Boy should be too strong for Edhouse.
Madhouse is a much-improved performer, but he is running into a scoring machine in Blackpool.