SIMON WHITLOCK is aiming to pick up a crucial win in the race for places in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Thursday.
Whitlock faces Phil Taylor in a rematch of their Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship clash in January - when the Australian actually led Taylor 2-1 in sets before succumbing to a 7-3 loss.
Their clash in Liverpool will be over a shorter distance at the best of 14 legs, as Whitlock looks to put one foot into the tournament's play-offs.
He currently sits equal second amongst three players locked on 11 points after winning three of his last four games, and admits ending Taylor's unbeaten record this season would be a huge result.
"It's going to be another tough game when I play Phil," said Whitlock. "If I can get a win against him then it could put me through into the play-offs.
"Even though I'm up there in the league table, I'm taking one week at a time and trying to win each week - I can't look too far ahead."
Whitlock's previous Premier League meeting with Taylor came on the opening night at The O2 in London, when he lost 8-3 on a disappointing debut in the tournament.
"That was awful for me," he reflects. "I only got back here from Australia two days before the game and my heel problem meant I didn't really practice for the best part of a month.
"I went up there with no form in the first week. This time around I'm feeling a lot better, and it's a confident and in-form Simon."
The meeting of Whitlock and Taylor will be the last of four clashes on the night at the Liverpool Echo Arena, with Terry Jenkins' clash with Ronnie Baxter opening proceedings in front of over 7,000 fans.
Reigning champion James Wade takes on Raymond van Barneveld, who has slipped to the foot of the table, in the second game, while Adrian Lewis meets second-placed Mervyn King.
A limited number of tickets remain on sale on 0844 8000 400 or from www.echoarena.com.
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week 11 - Liverpool Echo Arena
Terry Jenkins v Ronnie Baxter
James Wade v Raymond van Barneveld
Adrian Lewis v Mervyn King
Phil Taylor v Simon Whitlock
Tickets: 0844 8000 400 or www.echoarena.com
Watch live on Sky Sports HD1 from 7pm, or international viewers can watch live in PDCtv
Sky Bet Match Odds
Terry Jenkins 5/4, Draw 7/2, Ronnie Baxter 5/4
James Wade 4/6, Draw 7/2, Raymond van Barneveld 5/2
Adrian Lewis 5/4, Draw 7/2, Mervyn King 5/4
Phil Taylor 4/11, Draw 9/2, Simon Whitlock 4/1
Sky Bet are the official bookmaker of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts. Odds correct at 12.30pm on Wednesday April 21.
Click here to visit Sky Bet