Gary Anderson vs Stephen Bunting
19th July 21:30hrs
Darts – England – World Matchplay
Pick Bunting to win
Bookmaker Ladbrokes
Odds: 13/8 odds recorded 22:14 GMT on July 18th
There were some upsets on Sunday on the opening day of the World Matchplay Darts 2021.
Glen Durrant and James Wade were big early casualties. Gary Anderson will be looking to avoid going the same way.
But the former champion has a tough opening fixture on his hands as he lines up against Stephen Bunting.
Table of Contents
Gary Anderson Preview – Can Anderson find some form?
After reaching the final of the World Championships right at the start of the year, 2021 hasn’t been a great one for Gary Anderson.
In these three big tournaments since then, he hasn’t made it past the fourth round.
After hitting the peak of his form in 2018, only one title has come his way since then and that was that World Cup of Darts in 2019.
So he’s not been storming along in great form. But Anderson has a decent track record at this event.
He was last year’s runner-up after losing the showcase match to Dimitri Van den Bergh.
“The Flying Scotsman” had lifted the World Matchplay title in 2018.
Looking back a little further he has made it to at least the semi-finals in four of his last seven appearances at the tournament.
In the match outright for darts betting, Anderson is a quote of 8/13 to land the success* (odds recorded 22:14 GMT on July 18th).
Anderson and Bunting have met twelve times before and Anderson leads the head to head at W8 L4.
The most recent meeting that they had was in Barnsley last year, won by Anderson.
Anderson has won the last three meetings between the two players.
Also, Anderson has won the two previous matches against Burning when they have met in the World Matchplay.
It’s the first to ten in this one.
We don’t necessarily think that Anderson gets there comfortably.
An Anderson 10-7 correct score is a 7/1 punt for darts betting* (odds recorded 22:14 GMT on July 18th).
Stephen Bunting Preview – Can Bunting deliver the upset?
Stephen Bunting has to be fairly happy with his work this year on the PDC.
He was a surprise semi-finalist at the PDC World Championship at the start of the year.
A fourth round finish at the UK Open saw him put in some decent performances, so he may have a chance in this one.
In the match outright for darts, betting Bunting is a quote of 13/10 to land the victory* (odds recorded 22:14 GMT on July 18th).
This is the seventh appearance for Bunting in the World Matchplay.
Not having made it past the second round in his first five attempts, he reached the quarters in 2019.
He didn’t qualify for last year’s event.
“The Bullet” has put in a couple of good shifts this year with deep runs at Players Championship events.
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Stephen Bunting will probably recognise that he has a decent chance of success in this one.
There is a hint in his form that he can get close.
So we think he’s worth having a flutter on at 13/8 to produce the Most 180’s* (odds recorded 22:14 GMT on July 18th).
That run to the World Championship finals aside, it’s been a while since we have really seen a strong, consistent Gary Anderson at the oche.
This should be a good one.
Gary Anderson vs Stephen Bunting Betting Advice
There have been upsets already in the World Matchplay and we think Bunting is capable of delivering one.
In the match outright he is a quote of 13/10 to get the job done* (odds recorded 22:14 GMT on July 18th).
That looks fair, and Bunting has been going well in Players Championship tournaments.
Key Facts – Gary Anderson vs Stephen Bunting Betting Tip
- Gary Anderson leads the head to head 8-4
- Gary Anderson won the title in 2019
- Stephen Bunting’s best finish at the World Matchplay was a quarter final in 2019
There’s a clear opportunity in front of “The Bullet” here. Anderson hasn’t been at his best this season.
Anderson did have a burst of form at the Players Championship 19 including getting a win over Peter Wright.
But he’s vulnerable at the oche.
A Bunting +1.5 Handicap at 19/20 looks appealing for darts betting* (odds recorded 22:14 GMT on July 18th).
The best betting odds for Gary Anderson vs Stephen Bunting
Gary Anderson to win: 8/13 at Bet365
Stephen Bunting to win: 13/10 at Bet365
