UK Open: Robert Owen v Michael van Gerwen prediction, tips and odds

1983 World Darts Champion Keith Deller MBE looks ahead to Saturday's UK Open last 32 encounter between Robert Owen and Michael van Gerwen, and provides details of his 18/1 Bet Builder.

Robert Owen v Michael van Gerwen tips, prediction & start time

Robert Owen v Michael van Gerwen
Saturday 1st March
(15:15 GMT)

Keith Deller's Bet Builder

Match Handicap - Michael van Gerwen -3.5 Legs
Over 10.5 180s
1+ Bullseye Finish in the Match
Pays at 18/1

Michael van Gerwen says he is on the verge of rediscovering his very best form, and I tend to agree with him.

There are signs that he is finally starting to rediscover the groove that made him the dominant force on Planet Darts not too long ago.

His run to the World Darts Championship final served a timely reminder of the fact that the modern day game isn't all about the two Lukes (Humphries and Littler), and he will be keen to get his hands on the silverware in Minehead this weekend.

There were moments of brilliance from MVG in his 10-8 success over compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode on Friday night, but there were also a few signs that his game still isn't quite at 100 percent.

You can see that is irking him a little bit, but he has vowed to up the ante as we edge towards the meatier end of the competition across Saturday and Sunday.

Robert Owen is a decent draw for him, albeit he is a player that is capable of taking advantage of MVG if his standards to drop a tad in their last 32 showdown.

Rob had to come through to matches on Friday to book his place at this stage of the event, and I was particulalrly impressed in the way he overcame higher-ranked opponent Niels Zonneveld in a last leg shootout.

He showed good bottle to see that match through to a successful completion, and he is going to need that in bucket loads I feel if he is to upstage Mighty Mike.

I see a competitive match, but I expect the Dutchman to have far too much in his locker, which is why I am taking him on the handicap at -3.5 legs as the first part of my Bet Builder.

Over 10.5 180s is maybe a bold call, but I like the way in which both of these players group their darts together so well, which should afford each plenty of opportunities at landing those crowd-pleasing maximums.

On top of this, I am taking at least one bullseye checkout to land - we saw MVG land one in his win over Dirk and Robert also took one out in his 10-7 success over George Killington.

Pieced together, my three selections work out at a combined price of 18/1 which represents cracking value.

Darts Bet Builder at bet365

A Darts Bet Builder is essentially a multi-leg bet which allows you to compile a variety of selections from a single match.

Available on a wide number of sports, now including Darts, a Bet Builder consists of a minimum two selections, with the odds of your Bet Builder increasing with the more selections that are added, leading to higher potential payouts.

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Robert Owen v Michael van Gerwen odds

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