MICHAEL VAN GERWEN v RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD

Michael van Gerwen to win –

Even with a three-dart average of 109 in last year’s semi-final, Van Barneveld still couldn’t find a way past the world No.1.

Barney is sure to raise his game once again, but examples of Mighty Mike coming out second-best on the biggest stage are becoming fewer and further between.

Over 7.5 sets –

Gerwyn Price won two sets against MVG in the previous round, and was four missed darts at a double away from bagging a third.

Barney’s average is yet to dip below three figures so far and, in a best-of-nine format, another humdinger looks likely.

Over 19.5 180s –

This pair produced a staggering 29 maximums in just eight sets during last year’s semi-final.

Even below his best, Van Gerwen managed 12 in the previous round, so this benchmark should be easily achievable between the two of them.

Both players to hit a 130+ checkout –

MVG reminded everybody that he is the master of the 170 checkout with yet another maximum finish against Price on Wednesday.

Barney, meanwhile, nailed a 161 against Vincent van der Voort, and can always be relied upon for a moment of magic.

PHIL TAYLOR v GARY ANDERSON

Taylor to win the match –

Anderson was distinctly off-colour against Steve West, missing singles, busting doubles, and wasting 11 darts for the match, including seven in a single leg.

With the Scotsman also carrying an injury, Taylor – who achieved his first three-figure average on Thursday and has not dropped a set since the first round – is sure to capitalise on any weaknesses in order to prolong his fairytale.

Taylor to hit three 100+ checkouts –

Taylor’s finishing was superb against Keegan Brown, with three ton-plus checkouts and a 99 featuring two double-tops.

If the Power is to get past the high-scoring Anderson, he’ll have to pull a few more of those out of the bag on Friday.

Anderson to hit the most 180s – 

Even a back problem couldn’t stop Anderson’s mechanical arm from hitting the majority of his seven 180s during the closing stages against Steve West as his discomfort grew.

Taylor could only manage four, with his first dart regularly drifting below the treble-20 bed, so he’s likely to get outgunned when it comes to maximums, regardless of the result.