PHIL TAYLOR & Raymond van Barneveld renew their rivalry in the 888.com Premier League Darts on Thursday night, as Welshman Mark Webster enjoys a homecoming at the CIA in Cardiff.
The league's top two players, Taylor and van Barneveld, will meet for the second time this season as the reigning champion looks to extend his winning run to seven matches.
Van Barneveld has been victorious in his last three matches since going down 8-3 to Taylor in Exeter, and is bidding to claim his first victory over Taylor since 2008 when they meet on Thursday.
"I know what I can do and I've got to perform to my best against Phil on Thursday," said van Barneveld. "I'm comfortable and I'm not nervous or afraid any more.
"I was panicking for two years but if I smile and show crowd and the people at home that I'm enjoying it again, then the darts will come.
"Against Phil, you get chances in every game, 120-odd or 130-odd, but you have to hit them. Doubles are crucial and I'm practising a lot on them at the moment."
Taylor has dominated their recent meetings and averaged 113 in defeating van Barneveld in the final of the RTL7 International Masters recently, but revealed he has been delighted with the Dutchman's return to form this year.
"I love playing Raymond," said Taylor. "I don't know what it is but there's something special about playing Barney, there always will be I suppose.
"When he's on form he is awesome. He's inspired me for so many years to improve and keep pushing myself, and knowing he is on my tail in the Premier League is a massive incentive to keep winning."
The night in Cardiff will also see left-hander Mark Webster enjoy a homecoming, when he meets Adrian Lewis in front of a sold-out CIA crowd.
Webster produced his best-ever display with a 110 average when he met Lewis in Exeter four weeks ago, but has lost all three games since and is looking to return to winning ways on home soil.
"It was a brilliant performance against Adrian and I'd love to play as well again," said Webster. "I've had a disappointing few weeks since but it would be great for me to get a win in front of the Welsh fans.
"It's a night I've been looking forward to since I got into the Premier League in January, and hopefully I can make it a night to remember."
Lewis has picked up two wins and a draw since that 8-2 loss to Webster in Exeter, and said: "I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I can get some revenge.
"Mark knocked in a 110 average against me last time but you take it on the chin and I've performed well since.
"I can't understand how he can go on stage one week and average 110 to my 104 and then the next week he averaged 80-odd - if he averages 80-odd this week he'll get smashed."
The night begins when James Wade, who sits level with Webster on four points, meets Gary Anderson - the Scot who won his first four games but has suffered defeat in his last three.
Terry Jenkins then plays Simon Whitlock in the second game, with the Australian having produced his best performance of the season last week with an 8-2 defeat of Webster
888.com Premier League Darts
Week Eight - CIA, Cardiff
James Wade v Gary Anderson
Simon Whitlock v Terry Jenkins
Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
Adrian Lewis v Mark Webster
888sport.com Match Odds
James Wade 9/4, Draw 4/1, Gary Anderson 4/6
Simon Whitlock 4/6, Draw 4/1, Terry Jenkins 9/4
Phil Taylor 2/5, Draw 9/2, Raymond van Barneveld 15/4
Adrian Lewis 8/11, Draw 15/4, Mark Webster 9/4
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