Teenage prodigy Luke Littler misses out – the field was set following the World Championship with the 17-year-old ranked 31st in the world – with Luke Humphries (15/8), Michael van Gerwen (7/2) and Gerwyn Price (13/2) the three leading contenders according to the bookies.
Having analysed the form of 'Cool Hand Luke', 'MVG' and 'The Iceman' in our Premier League Darts preview, we focus on players at longer odds who could challenge for the Masters crown.
Defending champion Chris Dobey showcased strong form at the World Championships before losing to Rob Cross in the quarter-final – despite leading 4-0 in the nine-set match. Since December 1 last year, Dobey tops the world in average (101.51) - and is seventh in the category over the past 12 months (96.39).
'Hollywood' opens his title defense against Andrew Gilding, an opponent he has struggled with throughout his career losing six of eight meetings. In 2023 Dobey lost 6-1 to Gilding in the 10th round of the Players Championship and those looking at the upset can get a price of 2/1 on 'Goldfinger' to win the match. However, Dobey should claim victory with 6-3 (5/1) and 6-4 (9/2) scorelines worth covering.
The winner of that contest will face Van Gerwen in the second round – Dobey v 'MVG' would be an exciting match-up with the series sitting at 4-4 over their last eight contest. With Danny Noppert, Dave Chisnell and Martin Schindler also in the quarter, the round two meeting could be crucial – Dobey is 6/1 to advance from the quarter.
Also in the bottom half of the draw are Michael Smith, Rob Cross, Damon Heta, James Wade, Dimitri van den Bergh and Gabriel Clemens. Wade (40/1) could be the potential dark horse – he holds the edge over round one opponent Van den Bergh 4-3 in addition to three Premier League draws. The winner will then take on Michael Smith – an opponent over whom Wade boasts a 20-7 record.
'The Machine' is 8/1 to advance from his quarter, with Smith (6/4) and Cross (7/4) the major contenders according to the bookies.
In the top quarter of the draw, Humphries should canter through to the quarter-final at a short 8/13 price. His opposition consists of a struggling Peter Wright, the capable Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton, plus outsiders Ross Smith and Krzysztof Ratajski.
'Cool Hand Luke' will face either Bunting or Smith in round two. Humphries owns a 6-3 record over Bunting, with the world champion in the middle of an unprecedented purple patch of form. His record against Smith is event better with eight wins in their nine most recent meetings.
The second quarter of the draw hosts Price, Nathan Aspinall, Joe Cullen, Josh Rock, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Ryan Searle – 'The Iceman' to reach the semi-finals at 6/5 is an excellent proposition.
