Betting-Previews.com returns with betting tips and predictions for the fifth day of 2021 PDC World Matchplay. Here are our best bets for the second-round of 1/8 finals, scheduled for Wednesday, July 21.
2021 PDC World Matchplay – Day 4 Recap
Rob Cross and Luke Humphries both struggled to deliver yesterday when they lost to Callan Rydz and Krzysztof Ratajski, ending their 2021 PDC World Matchplay journey. Cross held a 5-2 lead at one point but then let his foot off the gas and eventually suffered a devastating defeat, whereas Humphries proved to be no match for Ratajski, who ran away with a 5-1 lead and had a relatively easy road to a commanding 11-5 victory.
However, Dimitri Van Den Bergh and Dave Chisnall played a close (11-8) series, which made it a bit easier to sleep following a poor start of the day. After hitting one of four picks with our 2021 PDC World Matchplay – Day 4, we are back with another four predictions for today.
Smith M. – de Sousa J.
Wednesday, July 21 – 19:10 BST
Michael Smith and Jose de Sousa are bound to produce an exciting affair today, with the forecast showing a high chance of 180s. Both are known for their unmatched ability to hit 180s seemingly effortlessly; however, it’s fair to point out that they’ve managed only three between them during the first two rounds of play.
Smith has been averaging 0.30 180s per leg on the season, whereas de Sousa holds an even more impressive 0.38 rate of 180s per leg. Smith has also failed to hit a single 180s in his last 17 legs with Ryan Searle, which is somewhat concerning.
Smith and de Sousa last met in March, when de Sousa won 10-9; however, it was Smith who won in November 2020 with 10-7 and is 3-2 up in the head-to-head across their last five meetings. Having said that, de Sousa is 2-1 up in their last three and is in a much better form now.
De Sousa enters this match with a 97.45 average from his win against Gabriel Clemens, whereas Smith averaged only 92.46 against Searle. Take de Sousa to get the job done with at least three legs to spare.
Prediction: Jose de Sousa -2.50 Legs – 2.10 at Bet365
Anderson G. – Aspinall N.
Wednesday, July 21 – 20:10 BST
Gary Anderson and Nathan Aspinall met twice in 2021, with their most recent outing (in May) ending in a 7-7 draw. Outside of Aspinall’s 7-2 victory in April, these two usually produce very close affairs, and it’s hard to argue this time out will be any different.
Two of their last five meetings ended in a draw (7-7, 6-6); one was won by Anderson (8-6), while Aspinall picked up the remaining two with 7-2 and 6-5.
Anderson and Aspinall both won their Sunday’s matches with relative ease; however, most of it had to do with the disappointing showings of their opponents. Anderson beat Stephen Bunting 10-5, while Aspinall beat Mervyn King with 10-6.
It’s hard to pick out a winner since these are two world-class players who seem to like to play very close matches. Aspinall should be favoured due to his strong showings on the season, and while he might end up on top, we don’t expect a one-sided affair.
Prediction: Over 18.8 Legs – 1.90 at BetVictor, 1.80 at Bet365
van Gerwen M. – White I.
Wednesday, July 21 – 21:10 BST
Michael van Gerwen is expected to reach the quarter-finals with relative ease, with bookmakers pricing him as a heavy favourite (1.22 at Bet365). And while there are definitely arguments to be made in his favour, we wouldn’t underestimate Ian White.
Van Gerwen and White last met in October 2020, when White picked up a convincing 10-4 victory. It marked his second of the last five head-to-head outings, having previously edged out the “Mighty Mike” with 8-7 in May 2019. The Dutch won the remaining three bouts with 11-8, 10-7 and 8-7 in 2019.
White was in much better form the last time these two met but has since fallen out of the top-16. However, it’s no secret that van Gerwen usually struggles against the underdogs, which could potentially give White a fighting chance tonight.
In his last outing against Damon Heta, van Gerwen was priced as 1.16 favourite but managed a rather disappointing 10-7 victory. He was even trailing Heta at one point (4-6) but mustered a comeback to steal the win.
It’s easy to bet against van Gerwen, who seems to be very beatable these days; however, it’s hard to justify saying that White’s form is good enough to upset the favourite. White has only six wins from his last 10 – van Gerwen has lost only three of his last 10 and one in his last eight.
Van Gerwen should win, but he has looked vulnerable. No bet for us.
Wright P. – Cullen J.
Wednesday, July 22 – 19:10 BST
Peter Wright is, without a doubt, one of the most efficient 180s hitters in the world. That becomes that much more obvious when he uses his thin darts; however, even when he doesn’t, he is still one of the best. Similarly, Joe Cullen is very effective in hitting 180s, and is ranked sixth-best of 2021.
Cullen enters this math following an impressive showing against Dobey, who he beat with 10-8, while Wright showed little to no struggle in his 10-2 victory against Danny Noppert.
Seeing Cullen play as well as he did last time out is a welcome change following his disappointing performances leading into the 2021 PDC World Matchplay. It seems like the crowd brings the best out of him, and he will surely want to ride the momentum as he takes on the world no.2.
The Snakebite enters this match as betting favourite (1.50 at Bet365), which makes sense even though he will face a much more formidable challenge to what he did on Sunday. Noppert has a very disappointing showing, missing 11 of his 13 darts at doubles, which made life much easier for Wright.
You would obviously favour Wright to win; however, we wouldn’t be so quick to fade Cullen. If he brings his A-game tonight, Wright will have to step it up big time if he wants to reach the quarter-finals.
Whether Cullen will manage to show his best form is anyone’s guess, but what we can be sure of is that there will be plenty of 180s on display.
Prediction: Over 11.5 180s – 1.90 at Bet365
We will return tomorrow with a betting preview for the final two 2021 PDC World Matchplay quarter-finals fixtures. Also, check out our free Counter-Strike: Global Offensive betting preview and predictions for the third day of WePlay Academy League!
