Darts 2018 World Matchplay Betting Tips & Predictions

The PDC World Matchplay darts returns to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool once more in 2018 and it promises to be yet another hotly contested week of darts on the North West coast. ‘The Vegas of the North’ provides the perfect back drop for the fun and frivolity that comes with darts and with the absence of Phil Taylor from this year’s competition – the field are now competing for the Phil Taylor trophy.

Outright Betting

The PDC World Matchplay is the second biggest event on the darting calendar and it promises to be a belter in Blackpool.

Here’s a look at some of our favourites for the PDC World Matchplay:

Michael van Gerwen – 8/11 (Ladbrokes) – The world number 1 and two-time World Matchplay champion currently looks untouchable at the top of world darts and the Dutchman is supremely confident currently. He is the number one seed this week and will take some beating at the Winter Gardens.
Rob Cross – 6/1 (Betfair) – The current World Champion has had a remarkable rise to the top of the game – only taking up the sport professionally last year. His incredible mental strength has been a hallmark of his game since he burst on to the scene and he could be a contender this week.
Gary Anderson – 8/1 (888 Sport) – The ‘flying Scotsman’ has never reached the final at Blackpool and has found playing at the Winter Gardens notoriously difficult. He hasn’t been in the best of form in 2018 and has dropped down to number 4 in the order of merit and could struggle with a tough draw here.
Peter Wright – 10/1 (Betway) – Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright is another man at the top of his game – currently residing at number 2 in the world rankings. He reached the final at Blackpool last year – losing out to Phil Taylor and he will have to be at his best to go one better this year, he has a very tough draw.
Mensur Suljovic – 22/1 (Coral) – The ‘Gentle’ has had a remarkable rise up the rankings in recent seasons – epitomised by his win at the Champions League of Darts late in November last year. He has climbed to number 6 in the world rankings and will fancy his chances this week.
Michael Smith – 25/1 (188 Bet) – The young Englishman has had a successful season – including strong showings in the Premier League of Darts and picking up the Shanghai Masters trophy last week. Whilst still unproven at this level – he could be one to watch here.
James Wade – 28/1 (10 Bet) – The 2007 World Matchplay Champion looks is still a major player on the PDC darts tour despite some inconsistent showings in recent seasons. Seeded 10 this week, he is always one to look out for in the draw.
Daryl Gurney – 50/1 (Coral) – The Northern Irishman has come of age on the PDC circuit – winning the World Grand Prix last year and climbing to number 5 in the order of merit. He is very much one to watch this week.
Ian White – 80/1 (William Hill) – The experienced Englishman is yet to win a major but always seems to play well when the chips are down. He has climbed to number 11 in the world rankings following another solid year and he could cause some damage in the draw here.