Van Gerwen looks to equal Taylor's Premier League Darts record: "Of course, that's a little bit of extra motivation"

Michael van Gerwen will face off against Gary Anderson to start off his Premier League Darts campaign with a new format and a new added impetus from the Green Machine as he looks forward.

"Of course I'm looking forward to it. It's a new start. We had the Corona times but we have to leave that behind us and look to the future again and I think with the new set up, I think the PDC are doing really well," said Van Gerwen to Live Darts.

"I know what I'm capable of and you need to believe in your own opportunities and capabilities and you always have to fight hard. The Premier League is always one of the toughest and hardest tournaments of the year because you have to perform week after week and the same goes for me this year."

He could tie Phil Taylor's six Premier League titles with victory in the coming months and despite not knowing about the stat initially, he is motivated to do so.

"Of course, that's a little bit of extra motivation but it's going to be hard. It's a new set up but I am comfortable and we're going to see how it goes."