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European Championship Darts Tips from Keith Deller: Peter Wright backed to roll back the years

Our Darts expert Keith Deller looks ahead to finals day at the European Championship in Dortmund and explains where he feels the betting value can be found.

European Championship - Final (Sunday)
European Championship - Semi-Finals Tips (Sunday)
European Championship - Quarter-Final Tips (Sunday)
European Championship - Round 2 Tips (Saturday)
European Championship - Round 1 Tips (Friday)
European Championship - Round 1 Tips (Thursday)
European Championship - Outright Tips

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European Championship Darts Tips
Final - Sunday

Peter Wright v James tips
(Peter Wright to win 11-8 @ 15/2 & Peter Wright to win match & most 180s @ 11/8)

What an opportunity this is for both men! James Wade used every bit of his experience and gamesmanship to get over the line against Gian van Veen, whilst Peter was classy in the way that he overcame Danny Noppert - he was especially impressive with his finishing. For me, Peter is playing the better of the two - James Wade has got himself over the line on a couple of occasions by using his experience to slow things down and disrupt his opponent, but he won't be able to do that against 'Snakebite'. He will have a bit too much for him in the final, and I expect him to score heavier, give himself more opportunities at doubles and take advantage of that.
 

European Championship Darts Tips
Semi-Finals - Sunday

Peter Wright v Danny Noppert tips
(Peter Wright to win 11-9 @ 15/2 & Peter Wright Over 5.5 180s @ 1/1)

For long parts of his win over Chris Dobey earlier on Saturday, Peter Wright looked more like the player he was when he lifted those world titles, and if he can hold his nerve this evening, I fully expect him to see off an in-form Danny Noppert. Peter fired in seven maximums and was just shy of a 100 average as he held his nerve to see off his spirited opponent. Danny Noppert will be full of confidence too though after remarkably fighting back from 0-7 down against Gerwyn Price to progress 10-8 - it was a truly incredible fightback. But, I think that may have taken a bit out of him ahead of tonight's semi-final, and I'll be backing the experienced Wright to see the job through - just about!

James Wade v Gian van Veen tips
(James Wade to win 11-8 @ 10/1 & James Wade 3-dart average Over 94.5 @ 10/11)

You'd have got long odds on James Wade and Gian van Veen getting in the last four at the start of the tournament, but it's the game we've got, and it's one I am looking forward to. James was absolutely superb in his win over Luke Humphries this afternoon, with his finishing particularly impressive. 63 percent on your doubles is going to give you a chance in any tournament, and if he can get near that figure again tonight, he will win this match. Yes, Gian will be riding the crest of a wave on the back of his superb victory over Michael van Gerwen, but this will be a different game, played at an entirely different pace. James will slow things down and I think that could well disrupt van Veen.
 

European Championship Darts Tips
Quarter-Finals - Sunday

Chris Dobey v Peter Wright tips
(Chris Dobey to win 10-9 @ 8/1, Peter Wright Over 4.5 180s @ 1/1 & Over 131.5 Checkout @ 5/6)

This could be a really close game and one that possesses plenty of drama. Both have made the quarter-finals without having been at their best - that despite impressive victories in their respective last 16 encounters. Michael Smith was well out of sorts on Saturday, but Peter could only beat what was in front of him and he did that. I think this will go deep, to a deciding leg, which Chris Dobey will just about edge to secure a spot in the semi-final. I also like the look of the Over 131.5 checkout market - both of these are very good at finishing, and there will be a couple of opportunities to land a high-figure finish.

Gerwyn Price v Danny Noppert tips
(Gerwyn Price to win 10-7 @ 6/1, Gerwyn price to lead after 6 legs @ 5/6 & Gerwyn Price to lead after 8 legs @ 8/11)

Gerwyn Price has come through his two matches to date incredibly comfortably and I don't see Danny Noppert really causing him too many issues in this quarter-final showdown. It's another chance for the Iceman to claim another televised title, and he will relish that. He has started fast off the blocks in his previous matches here, and I feel he will do the same again to stamp his authority early on. Danny is establishing himself as a dangerous player on the big stage though, but Gerwyn knows this is a real opportunity to gain some momentum at a crucial stage of the season. Establishing an early break of throw will put him in the driving seat to win the match in strong fashion.

Luke Humphries v James Wade tips
(Luke Humphries to win 10-7 @ 13/2 & Luke Humphries to win the match & the most 180s @ 4/7)

Like Gerwyn Price, James Wade was incredibly quick to pile the pressure on Jose de Sousa in his second round match, firing home 144 and 160 checkouts to take the wind out of the Portuguese. There's absolutely no way that he enjoys an equally as comfortable match on Sunday however, against arguably the form player on the tour. Luke Humphries is carrying the momentum he built at the World Grand Prix, and he is my bet to come out on top of this game. He will need to start fast and impressively, and I am backing him to do that. He has superb scoring power and I like the sound of him winning this one and landing the most 180s too.

Michael van Gerwen v Gian van Veen tips
(Michael van Gerwen to win 10-6 @ 6/1 & Over 12.5 180s in the match @ 12/5)

Michael van Gerwen is the man to beat now for me. He survived an almighty first round scare and then burst the bubble of the talented and in-form Ricardo Pietreczko on Saturday. Gian van Veen is another supreme young talent, but, once again, MvG will prove to have too much for him on this occasion. Michael has averaged 104 to date and he will be around that figure on Sunday, I feel. He hit eight 180s in his last 16 match with van Veen landing five of his own. Over 12.5 180s looks appealing in what should be a high-scoring and exciting affair.
 

European Championship Darts Tips
Round 2 - Saturday

Chris Dobey v Stephen Bunting tips
(Stephen Bunting to win the match & most 180s @ 3/1)

Stephen Bunting was absolutely superb in his 6-1 demolition of Martin Schindler in round one, firing in a 101.42 average and rifling in three 180s. He’s added a fair bit of additional weight to his darts – going from 12 grams to 18 grams, and it’s working perfectly for him. Chris Dobey was impressive in the way he came from behind to beat number one seed Dave Chisnall on the opening night, but I feel Bunting is in a very good place right now, and is throwing with plenty of confidence. I fancy him to be prolific in his scoring and secure a spot in the quarter-finals at the expense of an ever-improving Dobey.

Gerwyn Price v Nathan Aspinall tips
(Gerwyn Price to win & highest checkout @ 6/4)

This could be a very good game. Gerwyn Price was a routine winner against Keane Barry on Thursday night; and never had to get out of third gear, whilst Nathan Aspinall fired in a near 100 average to send Ryan Searle packing. Gezzy is a player who can move up the gears when he needs to, and I am backing him to come out firing against the Asp. Price to win the match and take out the highest finish is where the value lies for me.

Michael Smith v Peter Wright tips
(Michael Smith to win & most 180s & highest checkout @ 3/1)

Yes, I know Peter Wright showed incredible resolve and grit in coming from 5-1 down to beat Gabriel Clemens, but the very fact he went 5-1 down tells me that his game isn’t where it needs to be. Gabriel has a tendency to lose his bottle in matches anyway, so I wouldn’t look too much into Peter’s turnaround in that game. Michael Smith will be a totally different kettle of fish for him. He’s the world champion; he knows we are at the business end of the season, and he was ruthless against Raymond van Barneveld in round one. He landed the most 180s and took out the highest checkout in that triumph, and I am backing him to do likewise in this best of 19 encounter.

Rob Cross v Danny Noppert tips
(Rob Cross to win -1.5 Legs @ 10/11)

Rob Cross has been playing very well all year and he was brilliant again in his 6-2 win over Dimitri van den Bergh in his first round match. His 99.87 three-dart average was still six points lower than Danny Noppert, who landed six of his eight attempts at a double against Andrew Gilding, but this will be a far tougher task for him. Rob will pressurise him, and I just feel that his consistency this year, and his impressive scoring, will see the job through for him. It won’t be easy by any stretch, but I’m expecting him to be strong on throw and get that crucial break to win the match with a -1.5 leg handicap.

Gian van Veen v Daryl Gurney tips
(Gian van Veen to win -1.5 Legs @ 1/1 & Gian van Veen to win 10-6 @ 14/1)

This promises fireworks! Gian hit a stunning 107 average in his success on Friday and he will be full of confidence as he looks to seal a quarter-finals spot. But he is coming up against an opponent who dismantled Josh Rock 6-2, and a player who on his day can be exceptional - Daryl Gurney. Gian, for me though, is going to be a top, top player, and he is already well on his way to being that. I can see him winning this match in style, maybe 10-6, but I like the look of the handicap (-1.5 legs), priced up at even-money.

James Wade v Jose de Sousa tips
(James Wade to win & highest checkout @ 7/4)

James Wade won his first round match against Dirk van Duijvenbode with an average below 90, and believe me, that doesn't often happen. Yes, I expected him to come through that game as I just feel that Dirk lets himself down on the doubles, which proved to be the case again. Jose de SOusa wasn't great in his success either, and I feel this is going to be a really scrappy affair. Those scrappy games suit Wadey though, and I just think he will grind out a win, and land a couple of big checkouts to take the wind out of Jose.

Luke Humphries v Kzryzstof Ratajski tips
(Under 15.5 Legs @ 11/8 & Luke Humphries to win 10-5 @ 10/1)

Luke is clearly playing with a huge amount of confidence; he demolished Brendan Dolan on Friday night - dropping just one leg - and I feel he will be equally as comprehensive on Saturday night. I don't envisage him winning it to one, but I do think he will see off the challenge of Kzryzstof with relative ease. He will relish the tournament moving to a best of 19 too, and I just don't see anything other than a straightforward success for him. 10-4 or 10-5 looks the bet for me.

Michael van Gerwen v Ricardo Pietreczko tips
(Michael van Gerwen to win the match, most 180s & highest checkout @ 12/5 & Michael van Gerwen to win 10-5 @ 10/1)

Well, how close were we to seeing MvG make another premature departure from a major... incredibly! Madars Razma will still be pulling his hair out at those missed match darts. Yes, Michael had an almighty escape in round one, but now the dust has settled on that game, and we move to 19 legs, I just really see him motoring on. He's coming up against a player who has grabbed all of the headlines of late, Ricardo Pietreczko. He was superb once more in his win over defending champion Ross Smith, showing superb composure to see that game out. This will be too big an ask of him though, and I expect van Gerwen to burst the Pikachu bubble in style to round off the last 16 matches.
 

European Championship Darts Tips
Round 1 - Friday 

Damon Heta v Gian van Veen tips
(Gian van Veen to win 6-5 @ 11/2)

Gian van Veen is going to be some player - mark my words. He is set to take on Luke Littler in the World Youth Final, but has already made the final of the Pro Tour. Damon Heta is very consistent, very solid, but this is a really tough game for him. This will be close, but I am backing the young Dutchman to prevail in a decider.

Krzysztof Ratajski v Joe Cullen tips
(Joe Cullen to win 6-3 BOOSTED to 11/2)

Krzysztof typically over 11 legs would be very, very dangerous, but he has been well below his best in recent weeks. He's done nothing in the floor tournaments. Joe Cullen on the other hand reached the last four of the Grand Prix, playing some brilliant stuff in the process, and I just feel he will be far too strong for Krzysztof on Friday evening.

Josh Rock v Daryl Gurney tips
(Over 10.5 Legs @ 11/4)

The battle of the Northern Ireland boys... this should be an absolute cracker! This has 11 legs written all over it. I can't split the two here, they are both bang in form and won't be surrendering their own throw easily. I'd be looking for this one to go 'Over 10.5 Legs'.

Jonny Clayton v Jose de Sousa tips
(Over 10.5 Legs @ 3/1)

Jonny has had a tough time of things of late, away from the oche, so hopefully he is in a better headspace now as we approach the business end of the tournament. Jose de Sousa is a tough cookie - he knows how to win, and I feel this one, like a few others, will go the full distance. I'm not sure who will nick it, but I sense a tense and dramatic final leg decider.

Dirk van Duijvenbode v James Wade tips
(James Wade to win the match @ 11/10)

Dirk is such a good player, but for whatever reason he really struggles to find those match-winning doubles. He hits 180s for fun, but lets himself down trying to close a game out. James Wade however is one of the most relentless players on the tour when it comes to finishing, and I just feel that he is going to punish Dirk's wasteful finishing again in this one.

Luke Humphries v Brendan Dolan tips
(Under 8.5 Legs @ 6/4)

Luke Humphries is playing out of his skin - he is one of the elite players now, there's no doubt about that. He got the monkey off his back with that success at the World Grand Prix, and I am backing him to make another final in the European Championship. I just don't see anything other than a straightforward passage through to the last 16 for him.

Michael van Gerwen v Madars Razma tips
(Michael van Gerwen to win 6-2 @ 10/3)

MvG wil be chomping at the bit for this tournament after being beaten early doors at the World Grand Prix. He shouldn't have too many problems in seeing off Madars Razma, who has done very little of late across the floor tournaments to suggest he will pose any sort of threat to Michael. I'm expecting the Dutchman to sail through with very little fuss.

Ricardo Pietreczko v Ross Smith tips
(Ross Smith to win 6-4 BOOSTED to 11/2)

Ricardo Pietreczko was sensational as he upstaged the biggest stars on the planet in Germany a week or two back, but I just think it will all prove too much for him against Ross Smith on Friday. He didn't miss a single double in his final success over Peter Wright, but he will find the going tough against Ross Smith, who took a 9-darter out recently.

Friday Accumulator

Joe Cullen to win @ 4/7
Luke Humphries to win @ 2/7
Michael van Gerwen to win @ 1/7
Ross Smith to win @ 8/11

Accumulator pays out @ 3/1
 

European Championship Darts Tips
Round 1 - Thursday

Danny Noppert v Andrew Gilding tips
(Danny Noppert to win 6-3 BOOSTED to 11/2)

Danny reached the quarter-finals of the last floor tournament, and I just feel that he is the more consistent of these two players, particularly in televised events. Yes, Andrew has won a TV major, but on the whole, I feel that Danny is more accustomed to playing in front of the cameras and I like the look of him to get through this one relatively comfortably.

Nathan Aspinall v Ryan Searle tips
(Over 10.5 Legs @ 11/4)

I am a little bit worried about Nathan Aspinall's form of late, whereas Ryan Searle is playing really well at present. I do think this one will be close though - I actually think it will go the full distance to an eleventh and deciding leg.

Dave Chisnall v Chris Dobey tips
(Over 10.5 Legs @ 5/2)

Another game that could very well go the distance. If I was picking a winner I would just edge with 'Chizzy', who has been playing some exceptional stuff of late, but Chris Dobey hits 100+ averages for fun nowadays too, so this is a game that has every chance of going to an eleventh leg.

Rob Cross v Dimitri van den Bergh tips
(Rob Cross to win the match @ 4/7)

Rob Cross could very well be a strong outside pick this weekend - he has been playing very well, he has won this tournament in two of the last three years, and I just think, for whatever reason, he likes the European Championship. Dimitri on the other hand is really struggling, so I just don't see how he will see off 'Voltage' in the first round.

Gerwyn Price v Keane Barry tips
(Under 8.5 Legs @ 6/5)

Gerwyn Price is the strong favourite in this one and I don't see any hiccups for him on the opening night. Yes, Keane Barry is a talented player in his own right, but Gerwyn reached the final of the Grand Prix earlier this month and will be strong in Germany. It should be a straight-forward and trouble free victory for him.

Peter Wright v Gabriel Clemens tips
(Peter Wright to win 6-3 @ 5/1)

Peter is just starting to find that bit of form that has been evading him, and it's the right time of the year to be doing that. He's not been messing around with his darts either, which is nice to see. Gabriel Clemens is on home soil in German, but I just think the pressure will get to him on the night.

Michael Smith v Raymond van Barneveld tips
(Michael Smith to win the match & the most 180s @ 1/1)

'Bully Boy' is eyeing up the big ones again - the Grand Slam and the World Championship - and I expect him to really motor over the next month or two. Raymond has just got married, he's had a lot going on and I think this is a nightmare draw for him. Michael should sail through in this one.

Martin Schindler v Stephen Bunting tips
(Steven Bunting to win the match & the most 180s @ 21/10)

This is a repeat of their World Grand Prix meeting which Schindler won. I am backing Stephen Bunting to score heavier in this one and gain some revenge for his defeat a couple of weeks ago. I think it will be close but I do feel revenge will be sweet for Stephen on Thursday night.

Thursday Accumulator

Danny Noppert to win @ 4/7
Gerwyn Price to win @ 1/5
Peter Wright to win @ 8/13
Michael Smith to win @ 4/11

Accumulator pays out @ 10/3
 

European Championship Darts Outright Tips

Our Darts expert Keith Deller looks forward to the forthcoming European Championship and pinpoints where he feels the betting value can be found across the 'Outright' markets...

To Win Outright:
Michael Smith - 15/2

Michael Smith

Michael Smith (To Win Outright) - 15/2

Michael was in his honeymoon period at the turn of the year on the back of winning the grand Slam and then, of course, the World Championship, but he knows this is the business end of the season now.

He played well at the World Grand Prix recently, scored very heavily but just fell short on his doubles - but he can, and will, rectify that. He now knows how to win these big majors too after breaking his duck around about 12 months ago with his maiden televised ranking success in Wolverhampton.

I just think that this is the time of the season that he really enjoys, and I think the 15/2 on offer for the current world champion to lift the European title is too good a price to overlook.
 

Forecast The Finalists:
Michael Smith v Luke Humphries - 16/1

Michael Smith v Luke Humphries (Forecast The Finalists) - 16/1

I am forecasting Michael Smith and Luke Humphries to win their respective halves of the draw and meet in Sunday night's final.

Luke Humphries is the World Grand Prix champion after winning the title earlier this month and he is playing some absolutely outstanding stuff.

He is hitting 100+ averages almost every time he toes the oche nowadays too, and having lifted the European title recently, he will be riding the crest of a wave over in Germany, and will back himself to follow up his success with another.

I really think he has a great chance of coming through the bottom half of the draw, and if he does that, then the 16/1 on offer for a Michael Smith v Luke Humphries final looks very appealing.
 

To Win Quarter:
Rob Cross to Win Quarter 2 - 4/1

Rob Cross

Rob Cross to win Quarter 2 @ 4/1

Maybe a tad left-field considering Rob Cross is in the same quarter as Gerwyn Price, but I am backing him to come through the second quarter at the expense of the Welshman.

Rob has been absolutely brilliant this year, and at 4/1 to win this quarter, I think that represents really good value.

Let's not forget that Rob has won this competition in two of the last four years as well, so he knows exactly what it takes to be successful in the European Championship.

He's 8/1 to make it a third final in five years and 16/1 to go all the way in Dortmund and become a three-time champion - he is a very strong outside bet this weekend.
 

To Win Quarter:
Luke Humphries to Win Quarter 3 - 6/4

Luke Humphries

Luke Humphries to win Quarter 3 @ 6/4

6/4 for Luke Humphries to prevail from the third quarter represents exceptional value!

Luke, as I have said, is hitting big averages over 100 all the time, he arrives in Germany on the back of his success in Leicester a week or two back, and I really feel he is going to motor now and start picking up more titles.

I do think he may fall just short this time around, but he is certainly the man to beat in that third quarter of the draw.
 

Tournament Nine-Dart Leg
11/10

European Championship - Nine Dart Leg: Yes - 11/10

I really do like the 11/10 on offer for a nine-dart leg at the European Championship.

Gary Anderson, who is unfortunately missing this weekend, had one last week in one of the floor tournaments and Rob Smith did likewise - these players hit 180s for fun nowadays, and they are always going back-to-back.

It's down to whether they can take that 141 or the 144 out - there will be a chance over the course of the competition, it will just come down to holding their nerve on that double.

There have been four nine-darters in the European Championship over the years - the most recent being back in 2020 when Jose de Sousa landed it - but I think we will see that record bump up to five in Dortmund given the incredible scoring power on show.
 

View the latest European Championship Darts odds

Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
 

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