UK Open: Jonny Clayton v Michael Smith prediction, tips and odds

1983 World Darts Champion Keith Deller MBE looks ahead to Sunday's fascinating UK Open quarter-final tie between Jonny Clayton and Michael Smith and tells us where he feels the betting value can be found.

Jonny Clayton v Michael Smith tips, prediction & start time

Jonny Clayton v Michael Smith
Sunday 2nd March

Keith Deller's Bet Builder

Jonny Clayton - To Win Match
Over 16.5 Legs
Over 14.5 180s
Pays @ 20/1

Whisper it quietly, but Jonny Clayton and Michael Smith could be finding their way back to their very best form - and that could be ominous for the PDC field.

There's no doubt that the pair of them are amongst the finest operators in the sport when they are at the top of their game.

For whatever reason neither have managed to really find their best game over the past 12 months or so, but they are seemingly on a real upward trajectory right now.

Michael has had health problems which have hampered him, and successive first round exits in recent Players Championship events will have left him in the doldrums, but since overcoming Kevin Doets - his World Darts Championship foe - in his opening game on Friday, you can see that his confidence has started to flood back.

A quarter-final appearance will be a decent return for him, given his recent form, but for Jonny, well I see him moving onwards and upwards and, who knows, he could even get his hands on the trophy on Sunday evening.

He looks the real deal, he is scoring well, finishing well and throwing beautifully, so I can't look beyond a victory for him in this clash.

I expect him to come through 10-7 or 10-8 so am taking over 16.5 legs in the match, and I am also adding the two of them to combine together for 15 or more 180s.

This will be a fascinating showdown, and if they can find their rhythm early doors, then be prepared for that treble 20 bed to take a real hammering.

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Jonny Clayton v Michael Smith odds

(Odds will display when markets are available. Odds correct at time of writing and subject to fluctuation).