Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld faces the first of two Premier League judgement days on Thursday evening as he takes on the eliminated Gary Anderson in Birmingham, looking to keep his play-off hopes alive.
The Dutch star occupies fifth position, just one point behind Adrian Lewis in the all important final Play-off spot and will be a long way towards learning his fate by the end of the night.
Reigning champion Anderson has had a hugely disappointing season, largely due to a loss of form as well as personal problems off the oche. He will be playing for pride and knows there is no pressure on him as he aims to end the season in respectable style.
The Flying Scotsman produced a fine display to earn a point against Adrian Lewis last week and is likely to be relaxed on the oche on Thursday evening as he looks to dent Barney's hopes.
His popular Dutch opponent's resurgent campaign has stuttered in recent weeks and he will be out to rectify it by taking maximum points and hoping other results go his way.
The duo have met 13 times in previous major competition and Barneveld holds the better record having taken nine victories including 8-5 in their last meeting earlier in the season.
Both have been in indifferent form in recent weeks, but the bookmakers make Barney the favourite at 10/11, with Anderson offering value at 6/4 for victory. The draw is a 9/2 chance also with
Bet365.
The match gets underway at 8.00pm GMT and will be streamed live over the best of 14 legs from the NIA, Birmingham.
Match permutations
Anderson Win: Anderson would need Lewis to lose to avoid elimination. Barneveld would be eliminated if Wade and Lewis win.
Draw: Anderson eliminated. Barneveld would play Wade in Week 14 for the right to reach Play-Offs.
Barneveld Win: Anderson eliminated.
Barneveld may need only a draw against Wade in Week 14 to qualify, depending on Wade result v Taylor.
