PHIL TAYLOR is looking forward to his 'favourite' clash when he takes on Raymond van Barneveld in the McCoy's Premier League Darts on Thursday.
The big-name rivals currently occupy two of the top three places in the Premier League table following seven matches, and will meet at the SECC in Glasgow in front of a sell-out Scottish crowd.
Taylor has dominated their meetings in the Premier League since 2006, with van Barneveld gaining a draw in that first season but having lost 14 other times to the Stoke great.
Taylor also edged to victory in their thrilling World Championship semi-final in the pair's last televised meeting, when van Barneveld hit back from 5-1 down to level at five-all before losing out in the deciding set.
"Of all the players I've ever played - and I've played some fantastic players around the world down the years - I think Barney's my favourite one to play against," said Taylor.
"Win, lose or draw, he's the most exciting player to play against. Dennis Priestley is probably the best player I've ever played against, and Jocky Wilson was probably the most spectacular player, but Barney is probably my favourite.
"I'm really happy with what he's done in the last six months. I hated Barney not playing as well as he can do.
"I know we fall out sometimes but we don't fall out properly, and I'm not just a friend of Barney's but I'm a fan of his and a genuine lover of what he does.
"I'll have to play well on Thursday because it will probably be the toughest game I'll have in the whole season. It's a sell-out crowd and they love their darts, and it will be a great night."
Taylor's preparation for Thursday's clash included a visit to London to be the guest of honour at a fundraising dinner on Tuesday for Haven House Children's Hospice, which raised £55,000 for the PDC's official charity.
McCoy's Premier League Darts
Week Eight
March 28 – SECC, Glasgow
Adrian Lewis v Andy Hamilton
Simon Whitlock v Robert Thornton
Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
Gary Anderson v Wes Newton
Michael van Gerwen v James Wade
Coral Match Odds
Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
4/6 – Phil Taylor
4/1 - Draw
13/5 – Raymond van Barneveld
Coral are the official betting partner of the McCoy's Premier League Darts.
All odds correct at 11am March 26 and courtesy of www.coral.co.uk.