Peter Wright vs Michael Smith
23rd July from 1900hrs
Darts – England – PDC World Matchplay
Pick Wright -2.5 handicap
Bookmaker Betway
Odds: 10/11 odds recorded 16:19 GMT on July 22nd
We are deep into the quarter-final stage of the World Matchplay Darts 2021 and we have a heavyweight clash here.
Peter Wright has been in red-hot form throughout the event as he tries to land his first World Matchplay title.
Standing in his way is Michael Smith who could offer up a stern challenge to “Snakebite”.
The winner meets either Michael van Gerwen or Nathan Aspinall in the semi finals.
Table of Contents
Peter Wright Preview – “Snakebite” marches on at Blackpool
Peter Wright brushed aside the challenge of Joe Cullen in the Second Round of the World Matchplay.
It was an 11-5 win that “Snakebite” delivered in that match.
That came after a thumping 10-2 victory over Danny Noppert in the opening round.
Wright’s three-dart average against Cullen was 104, the best of the tournament so far.
So he looks to be steaming along at the moment and heads into this Quarter Final match as the favourite.
In World Matchplay darts betting, the win for Wright is at a quote of 8/13* (odds recorded 16:19 GMT on July 22nd 2021 at Betway)
This return to the Quarter Finals means that Wright has been to this stage of the World Matchplay in all but one of the last seven editions.
So he has a pretty handy track record but has not managed to actually get his hands on the silverware.
There was a sign that Wright was going to head to Blackpool in some good form.
He won the Players Championship 20 just ahead of the action, beating Michael van Gerwen in the final.
So current form there and a Wright -2.5 handicap for darts betting is at 10/11* (odds recorded 16:19 GMT on July 22nd 2021 at Betway)
Wright has won the last three meetings with Smith but this will be the first meeting between them at the World Matchplay.
Michael Smith Preview – “Bully Boy” no pushover
Michael Smith came through a second-round challenge against Jose de Sousa.
That was a tense 13-11 win that he took over the Portuguese player. In the first round of action, Smith had beaten Ryan Searle 10-7.
Smith, who has yet to win a major PDC title, despite having reached six finals, is another with good recent form at this particular event.
Smith reached the final in 2019 and then fell at the semi finals in last year’s edition.
He is not going to be a pushover, but will likely have to find a new level of three-dart averages to take on Wright.
In the match outright for World Matchplay darts betting, Smith is a quote of 13/10 to pick up the victory* (odds recorded 16:19 GMT on July 22nd 2021 at Betway).
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Michael Smith’s most recent victory against Smith was in last year’s Premier League.
In the overall head to head, Smith is W6 D2 L13 against Peter Wright.
In none of his last three matches against Peter Wright has Smith ended within a margin of three legs to the Scotsman.
A Michael Smith +2.5 Handicap Darts betting option is at 4/5* (odds recorded 16:19 GMT on July 22nd 2021 at Betway)
There is just no easy path ahead to the title now for Michael Smith, who knows that he’s in the thick of it.
Can he produce an upset?
Peter Wright vs Michael Smith Betting Advice
Over this longer match, Peter Wright should prevail. He has looked unplayable in the first couple of rounds.
While this is going to be his sternest challenge yet, Wright has the head to head form against Smith as well.
A Peter Wright -2.5 Handicap is our darts betting pick at 10/11* (odds recorded 16:19 GMT on July 22nd 2021 at Betway)
Key Facts – Peter Wright vs Michael Smith Betting Tip
- Peter Wright has won the last three meetings with Smith
- Peter Wright has reached the Quarter Finals in 6 of the last 7 editions
- Michael Smith has reached at least the Semifinals in the last two editions
Smith is a quality player and is capable of piling on some heavy scoring. But it hasn’t quite been happening at the Winter Gardens yet.
He made hard work of his second round match and the challenge goes up a few notches now.
His chances of making a run to the title in Blackpool may well end on Friday night.
The best betting odds for Peter Wright vs Michael Smith
Peter Wright to win: 8/13 at Bet365
Michael Smith to win: 13/10 at Bet365
