The World Matchplay starts this weekend, and all eyes are on one game.
Indeed, the first-round draw has thrown up an absolute cracker of a game as Michael van Gerwen faces Luke Littler on Monday evening.
It’s so tough to call who will win this one as arguably the best player in the world faces perhaps the best player of all-time.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Love The Darts Podcast, Matthew Edgar has been previewing this game, and he says he has some serious concerns about Van Gerwen heading into this match.
The pundit says he’s worried about MVG because he’s been out of action recently, missing two recent Pro Tour events, claiming that he’s not had enough match practice ahead of the Matchplay.
Matthew Edgar’s concern about Michael van Gerwen
Edgar shared his worry about Mighty Mike.
“You say about Luke Littler not being ready and using the Pro Tour for practice. Where is Van Gerwen’s practice? Is the Matchplay that?” Edgar asked.
“Did he think he’d get through the opening round and get into the flow.
“He won’t want to play Luke Littler at this point. Nobody wants to play him at any point, but when you’ve been away and you have that seed of doubt, that’s all it takes for Luke Littler to run away with the game.
“I have concerns for Van Gerwen in this game. Back end of the year he will be fine, but there are question marks for me.”
Van Gerwen doesn’t need practice
If there’s any player in the PDC who doesn’t need this level of practice before the Matchplay it’s Michael van Gerwen.
The Dutchman has been there and done it so many times before that he could basically just play on instinct.
Gary Anderson still makes serious runs at these tournaments with barely any practice, and MVG is just as talented as The Flying Scotsman.
Would Van Gerwen be better if he got a full round of Pro Tour events under his belt? Probably, but he’s still a contender for the title without playing tons of games beforehand.