“Michael needs to put his foot down at some point” – Mark Webster and John Part point to crucial Premier League Darts test for Michael van Gerwen

The UK Open and the build-up to this Thursday’s Premier League Darts night were among the main talking points on the Love the Darts podcast, where host Emma Paton was joined by analysts Mark Webster and John Part to discuss the key storylines heading into the next round of action.

During the discussion, the panel reflected on Michael van Gerwen’s recent form, Josh Rock’s situation in the Premier League, and the intriguing rivalry developing between Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen.

One of the first topics raised was Michael van Gerwen’s performance at the UK Open. The Dutchman started his tournament well but was ultimately eliminated in the sixth round by James Wade, who produced one of his strongest performances of the weekend.

Van Gerwen had begun his Premier League campaign in promising fashion, but his form has dipped somewhat since then. Reflecting on his start to the season, the panel noted: “He had the ideal start with a win.”

That momentum briefly continued as he also reached a final soon after, but the situation has been more difficult since then. As John Part explained: “Then he had the illness week, and he really hasn’t come back with any sort of distinction since then.”

Despite that, Part believes Van Gerwen still shows flashes of the level that has defined his career, with consistency currently the biggest issue. “At times in 2026, we’ve seen Michael look a lot more interested, but he’s still not one hundred per cent consistent. That’s his biggest problem,” Part said. “But as long as he’s interested and feeling fresh about a match, he’s a danger.”

Van Gerwen’s next Premier League match could prove to be a significant moment. He faces table leader Jonny Clayton, a matchup that could provide extra motivation.

From Clayton’s perspective, the analysts suggested it may feel like a well-timed opportunity. “Jonny should be feeling like this is when he can take control and get the two points,” Part explained.

However, Van Gerwen remains capable of turning a match around if he finds his rhythm. “Michael will start fearlessly and he knows that if he gets going in the match he can dictate terms to anybody through his experience.”

A victory over Clayton would also send a strong message in the Premier League standings. “Michael needs to put his foot down at some point. Doing it against the table leader would be a good thing to do,” Part said.

For that reason, he would not be surprised to see the Dutchman rediscover his best form on Thursday night. “I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if Michael comes up with a real gem on Thursday.”

Van Gerwen made a superb start to the Premier League season by winning the opening night in Newcastle and reaching the final the following week.

Beyond Van Gerwen, the panel also looked ahead to the other quarter finals scheduled for the Premier League night in Nottingham. The opening match sees Josh Rock face Stephen Bunting.

For Rock, Mark Webster believes it represents a crucial moment in the season. Although the Northern Irishman recently reached the semi-finals of the UK Open, he is still searching for his first Premier League points.

Webster compared the situation to a moment in Bunting’s own campaign last year. “It reminds me of when Bunting played Chris Dobey around week seven last year, and it felt like a big game for him.”

Rock could soon begin questioning his position in the competition if results do not come. “If he doesn’t get any points this week, the thought process is like ‘what am I doing here?’ He might start questioning whether he belongs there.”

Nevertheless, Webster emphasised that Rock absolutely deserves his place in the Premier League field. “He does belong there. It’s just not happening for him at the moment.”

According to Webster, Bunting’s experience in these situations could prove decisive in the match. “Stephen will know exactly how he felt twelve months ago. Josh will be feeling exactly the same now. He’ll be tight, and he’ll be nervous.”

If Bunting makes a strong start, the pressure on Rock could quickly increase. “If Stephen makes a good start in this game, he could pile on the misery on Josh.”

Even so, the analysts expect an intriguing encounter given what is at stake for both players. “It’s an intriguing match. A big clash to open the night and really important for both players. Bunting needs to build on that good week he had a few weeks ago. Josh just needs to get going.”

The other half of the draw also features compelling matchups, including Luke Humphries against Gian van Veen. According to John Part, the pressure in that contest lies primarily with Humphries. “He’s got to clean up his performances against Van Veen. Van Veen has just had too much of his own way in that matchup.”

For a player of Humphries’ stature, that is a situation that cannot continue indefinitely. “If you’re Luke Humphries, you can’t let somebody own you like that. You can’t be ranked number two and have number three owning you, because otherwise those rankings will flip.”

At the same time, the analysts expect another high-quality contest between two players who consistently push each other to a high level. “We know the standard is so good when those guys play each other. It’s a great match to watch.”

Part also believes Van Veen may approach the match with a more relaxed mindset. “I think Van Veen will be a lot more relaxed and just take it as it comes, with confidence that he can repeat the kind of results he’s had before.”