PETER WRIGHT and Raymond van Barneveld are aiming to kick-start their Unibet Premier League seasons as the tournament visits The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Thursday.
Following the elimination of Mensur Suljovic and Gerwyn Price on Judgement Night in Liverpool a week ago, the remaining eight players now turn their sights on trying to secure a Play-Off place.
Draws for Wright against Simon Whitlock and Daryl Gurney over the past fortnight have helped the 2017 runner-up to avoid elimination after he suffered three successive 7-1 defeats.
The 2017 runner-up takes on Gary Anderson and Van Barneveld in Sheffield, knowing that two wins could put him in the thick of the Play-Off race.
"Raymond and Gary are great players and I have to look at Sheffield like I would a European Tour or some of the big TV events," said Wright.
"It's two top players in one night and the only way to get what you want is by beating them all.
"It's starting to come together and I'm looking forward to the rest of the Premier League season.
"The plan is to keep picking up the wins, I know I'm capable of beating the top players so I have to keep believing.
"I'm confident going forward. I've got hard games but I know I can win them and I think I'll qualify for The O2."
Van Barneveld opens the night against Daryl Gurney before returning to face Wright, and although the 2014 champion sits in seventh place in the table the Dutchman has his sights on the top four.
"Everyone still has a chance to make the Play-Offs," said Van Barneveld. "It's a fresh start and I will have to beat my opponents to pass them, but I believe I still have the game to do so.
"Daryl really found his way into the competition. He's playing well at the moment and will be tough to beat, and then I've got Peter.
"Everyone has seen that he had his ups and downs but he is class. Don't forget he is the only player to beat Michael van Gerwen in this Premier League so far.
"He is the number two in the world for a reason, he's a brilliant darts player."
League leader Michael van Gerwen will come up against Simon Whitlock, with the Australian sitting in fourth place on ten points as he targets a third Play-Off campaign following a strong first half of the season.
"I'd love to be in the Play-Offs - that's my goal now," said Whitlock. "I've done the first section and avoided elimination and now I'm looking to make The O2. That's my dream.
"There's a long way to go, another seven more games, but if I can get another ten points then maybe I'll make the Play-Offs. I just take one week at a time now and enjoy it, because I love it."
The players in second and third place, Michael Smith and Rob Cross, also clash in Sheffield as they bid to maintain their own strong form.
"I've enjoyed it and it's fantastic with the crowds - it's unique," said Cross, who has won six of his last seven matches.
"It's brilliant - I look forward to it every Thursday whether it goes right or wrong!
"All the games are going to be tough but I've got used to the Premier League now and I feel good, I'm nice and relaxed.
"Now maybe I'm looked upon that I should win but it doesn't always happen that way and I'm still learning.
"I've only had 15 months as a professional and I'm nowhere the finished article, and I'm going to carry on learning for the next two or three years."
Thursday's action will be preceded at 7.05pm by a minute's applause in memory of Eric Bristow, and fans are encouraged to be in their seats for the start of the event to be part of this tribute.
The Unibet Premier League at The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 7pm on Thursday, and aired worldwide through the PDC's international broadcast partners and for PDCTV-HD Subscribers outside of the UK, Ireland & Netherlands.
In addition, the Unibet Premier League will feature radio commentary throughout the season on talkSPORT and talkSPORT2. For further details of coverage, please visit www.talksport.co.uk.
Tickets for Thursday's Unibet Premier League at The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield are still available via www.flydsaarena.co.uk and 0114 256 5656.
Unibet Premier League
Night Ten - April 12
The FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield
Raymond van Barneveld v Daryl Gurney
Gary Anderson v Peter Wright
Simon Whitlock v Michael van Gerwen
Michael Smith v Rob Cross
Raymond van Barneveld v Peter Wright
Tickets via www.flydsaarena.co.uk and 0114 256 5656
Unibet Match Odds - Night Ten, Sheffield
6/4 Raymond van Barneveld
33/10 Draw
27/20 Daryl Gurney
9/10 Gary Anderson
33/10 Draw
12/5 Peter Wright
9/1 Simon Whitlock
15/2 Draw
1/6 Michael van Gerwen
12/5 Michael Smith
33/10 Draw
22/25 Rob Cross
9/5 Raymond van Barneveld
33/10 Draw
23/20 Peter Wright
Odds courtesy www.unibet.co.uk and correct at time of writing. Subject to fluctuation.
League Table
