MICHAEL VAN GERWEN believes that a nine-dart finish could be achieved during his McCoy's Premier League Darts clash with Adrian Lewis in Nottingham on Thursday.
The Dutch star takes on the two-time World Champion in one of five huge clashes at the Capital FM Arena in week five of the event, as the battle to avoid relegation intensifies.
Lewis enters the game desperate to claim his first victory of the season after suffering four successive losses, with quick-throwing van Gerwen likely to suit his own free-flowing style.
However, the Dutchman has taken victory in their last two televised meetings, at last year's World Grand Prix - which van Gerwen went on to win - and in the quarter-finals of the World Championship in December as he ended Lewis' Alexandra Palace reign.
Van Gerwen is tipping another exciting contest in Nottingham - and even thinks that a nine-dart leg could be on the cards this week.
"Me and Adrian always have fantastic games," said van Gerwen. "We had a fantastic game in the World Grand Prix and in the World Championship it was an unbelievably good game.
"Adrian's not in his best form and he hasn't had too much luck on his side, but I'm playing for myself and I just want to win the game.
"I think the pace will be good for both of us and we're both very good players and talented players, but it's about what we do on the day.
"I think there could be a nine-darter. I think I'll hit one in this Premier League, and maybe it will be this week."
Van Gerwen is one of four players locked on six points at the top of the table, and continued his impressive start to his debut Premier League season last week when he saw off Andy Hamilton in Exeter.
"I'm doing well and I want to keep this going now," he added. "I've not lost a game yet, which is great for me.
"I just want to win my games and get to the semi-finals, and I don't mind what other players do."
Tickets for the McCoy's Premier League Darts at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham are still available on 0843 373 3000 or via www.capitalfmarena.com
McCoy's Premier League Darts
Week Five
March 7 - Capital FM Arena, Nottingham
James Wade v Robert Thornton
Raymond van Barneveld v Andy Hamilton
Adrian Lewis v Michael van Gerwen
Phil Taylor v Gary Anderson
Wes Newton v Simon Whitlock
Tickets 0843 373 3000 or www.capitalfmarena.com