"What's he got to do?": Wayne Mardle surprised at Danny Noppert's Premier League absence and Stephen Bunting's inclusion in line-up

The eight-man line-up for the upcoming Premier League Darts season has been confirmed, bringing together returning champions, proven winners and exciting new faces. But for Wayne Mardle, while the quality is unquestionable, the selection process has left clear winners, losers – and plenty of pressure.

“There are no arguments about their ability,” Mardle said. “In terms of what they’re capable of, they’re all elite players. But there are one or two who’ll be feeling very different emotions right now.”

Mardle admitted his immediate reaction included an element of surprise, particularly at the inclusion of Stephen Bunting. “I’m slightly surprised at Stephen Bunting. I just am,” he said on Sky Sports. “He’s had a decent enough year, but not as good as some, in my opinion, and he can consider himself a little fortunate.”

While acknowledging Bunting’s struggles in last year’s Premier League were more about results than performances, Mardle felt the early winless run counted against him. “He played okay in the Premier League last year, but results didn’t go his way – especially the first eight weeks where he didn’t win a game. But the Premier League’s tough. We know that.”

Ultimately, Mardle believes Bunting will be the player breathing the biggest sigh of relief. By contrast, Danny Noppert was the name that stood out as the unluckiest omission. “For me, Danny Noppert’s been really unlucky,” Mardle said. “He’s reached the semi-finals of four majors, four big TV events. You kind of feel, what’s he got to do?”

Despite winning the UK Open previously and improving year on year, Mardle suggested the lack of a recent final or title may have counted against Noppert – a standard not applied evenly. “Stephen hasn’t done that this year,” he added. “With the performances of last year, I thought that would have gone against him rather than for him. But Stephen’s got a massive following – the People’s Champion, don’t forget.”

Looking ahead to the campaign itself, Mardle believes pressure will be concentrated on three players. “Stephen, yes – 100%,” he said. “Whoever gets in as the last pick, the pressure’s on you.”

But Bunting is not alone. Mardle also highlighted Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries as players with points to prove. “Luke Humphries needs to re-establish himself,” he said. “Forget about Gian van Veen – because he didn’t make the world final and Gian sorted him out.”

Mardle referenced Humphries’ disappointing World Championship exit and believes the world number two will be eager to put things right.

Van Gerwen, meanwhile, enters the season under rare scrutiny after failing to win a single Premier League night last year and missing out on the playoffs entirely.

“Two years ago he wins four weeks of the Premier League, same format, same knockout every week,” Mardle said. “Last year he didn’t make the playoffs and didn’t win a week. There’s pressure on him to perform."

Despite Gerwyn Price entering as the lowest-ranked of the eight, Mardle does not see that as a burden. “I don’t see pressure on him,” he said. “He finished the year pretty well. He had a poor Worlds – Wesley Plaisier absolutely took care of him – but I really believe he’ll be okay.”

That confidence also extends to Josh Rock, whom Mardle believes is tailor-made for the Premier League format. “If there’s anyone that’s made for the Premier League, it’s Josh Rock,” he said.

Rock’s World Cup triumph alongside Daryl Gurney and his growing comfort on the biggest stages have convinced Mardle the timing is right. “He loves the stage, he thrives on it, and he is ready to win,” he said. “This format is great for him – 16 weeks, hopefully 17 with the playoffs. I think it’s made for Josh Rock.”

Jonny Clayton’s return to the Premier League also drew a firm endorsement. “Never in doubt for me,” Mardle said. “He’s competitive every single day of the week, especially on Thursdays. I think he’ll be absolutely fine.”

Still, Mardle warned that even strong performances do not guarantee success in such an unforgiving format. “This is the elite of world darts,” he said. “It’s hard to win games. You can go seven, eight, nine weeks without winning. Stephen’s proven that.”

Despite last year’s disappointment, Mardle believes van Gerwen will return with renewed hunger. “He wants to entertain,” Mardle said. “Luke Littler’s taken that role on and he’s doing it really well, but Michael wants everyone to talk about him.”

Not making the playoffs, he believes, struck a nerve. “He’s won seven Premier Leagues. To not make the playoffs last year was a blow. He wants to re-establish the correct order of darts – talk about me. Every Thursday, I’m the man you’ve got to beat.”

At the very top, however, Mardle sees a clear hierarchy emerging. Luke Littler, he says, has taken control. “Last year it was, ‘Yeah, he’s good, but he’s beatable.’ Now, you’ve got to get him on the right day,” Mardle said.

After winning six Premier League nights last season – a record – Mardle sees no reason why Littler cannot repeat or even better that feat. “Do I see him winning six again, maybe more? Yes, I do.”

Mardle also expects Gian van Veen to remain a fixture at the top end of the sport following his World Championship run. “That’s the shame about knockout events – only one person prevails,” he said. “He had the most amazing two-and-a-bit weeks and didn’t win the final.”

Despite the disappointment, Mardle insists van Veen’s performance level was exceptional. “He played amazing. He just walked into the darting freak – and that’s a term of endearment – Luke Littler, on one of his good days.”

For Mardle, the rankings reflect the current reality of the sport. “Right now, it’s Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, then Gian van Veen,” he said. “The rankings are right. They’re set up beautifully.”

With the Premier League getting underway in Newcastle on February 5, Mardle believes the ingredients are in place for another compelling season – one where reputation alone will offer no protection, and every Thursday night will matter.