World Matchplay Tips & Prediction: Keith Deller backing 5/1 Luke Humphries to reign supreme in Blackpool
Keith Deller MBE provides his pre-tournament tips and predictions for the upcoming 2026 World Matchplay where Luke Littler will bid to make a successful defence of his crown.
The world number one and reigning World Darts Championship winner saw off James Wade 18-13 in an enthralling final 12 months ago to secure his maiden World Matchplay triumph.
Now, he's been installed as the strong favourite to become just the fourth player in history to go back-to-back in Blackpool, but does our resident darts expert Deller agree or is he expecting one of the other 31 contenders to defy their outsider tagging?
World Matchplay Winner Prediction
Luke Humphries has certainly got the bit between his teeth again, he's found his mojo once more and he looks a real force to be reckoned with.
It wasn't too long ago that he was sweeping away everybody and everything in his path, but then, of course, came along Luke Littler.
The pair have traded plenty of blows since that first big meeting on the fabled Alexandra Palace stage two-and-a-half years ago, and they will lock-horns on plenty more occasions in the future too.
There's every chance that we see the latest installment of their rivalry in the showpiece final next week.
Humphries looks to be right at the very top of his game - he's back with his old darts, he's scoring for fun and he, crucially, has beaten Littler in each of their last couple of clashes, most recently in the final of the bet365 US Darts Masters.
It's difficult to look beyond either of the Lukes in all honesty - they are both on a different level to the rest, but in terms of the value here, it all lies with Humphries.
World Matchplay Pre-Tournament Tips
I've just mentioned that it wouldn't be a surprise to see Littler and Humphries meet in yet another final next week, and I like the 4/1 price on offer for that to happen.
The nature of this competition lends itself to both players - they are long-format matches, and we all know how good these two are once they find their groove.
Of course, we are always susceptible to a shock or two, but this is a big competition - probably the most important one aside from the Worlds, so they will really be chomping at the bit.
They are in opposite sides of the draw given they are numbers one and two in the world, and whilst each will probably have to overcome troublesome opponents, there is every chance that we are witnessing another all-Luke final on Sunday week.
If you are looking for a bit of a different play at the World Matchplay then how about taking Wessel Nijman at each-way.
Those of you who have been following my tips and predictions for a while now will be aware of the fact that I have been championing the claims of the Dutchman for quite some time.
He has all the attributes to go right to the very top of the sport and, believe me, he will win major titles at some point in the future.
Wessel has been incredible on the floor this year, winning an unprecedented eight Players Championship events in 2026 alone, whilst he has also tasted his first victory on the European Tour too.
He hasn't quite been able to find that winning formula on the big TV stage, but that will change, and it could well be that this is the tournament that he really establishes himself as one of the big guns.
Once he gets that first big title under his belt, plenty more will follow; he really is that good a player!
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
