ABERDEEN is gearing up to welcome back Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld for this Thursday's Holsten Premier League Darts spectacular.
Following the success of staging one of the league nights for last year's tournament, the PDC's top players will return to play in the sold-out Press & Journal Arena.
Four matches will be staged on the night, including defending champion Taylor's clash with former protege Adrian Lewis.
The Stoke-based pair practised together until January, with 22-year-old Lewis now making his own name after earning the final Wildcard spot for the Premier League.
"I've made Scotland my territory - I've won three of my last four tournaments there - so he's got to come and beat me!" said Lewis. "I'm looking forward to it.
"The atmosphere in the Premier League is brilliant and the crowds are massive. I thrive on the big events and try to excite people."
Taylor produced a miraculous comeback last week, finding himself 5-1 down against van Barneveld in a rematch of their World Championship final, before winning seven of the last eight legs to take an 8-6 victory.
He also took victory in a Regional Final of the Blue Square UK Open at the weekend, overcoming fellow Premier League competitors Dennis Priestley and Colin Lloyd as well as Wayne Mardle on his way to the £5,000 win.
Following draws in his opening two matches as he adapted to a number of changes since the World Championship defeat, Taylor feels he is returning to his best.
"It's coming, but it's a long-term plan," said Taylor, who has changed his darts, begun practising with Andy Hamilton and embarked on a fitness and diet regime.
"I was delighted with how I came back against Ray and he did well to put himself into that lead.
"I am confident with my game and working hard at the moment."
On facing Lewis, he added: "It should be a good game.
"He is still getting used to the Premier League but he's a cracking player, very exciting."
The night will also see the all-Dutch contest between World Champion van Barneveld and 2006 Premier League finalist Roland Scholten.
Scholten won their clash in the semi-finals of last year's event, and he is looking to cause another upset in Aberdeen.
"I know I am capable of it and always think positively," he said.
"In the first year of the Premier League nobody gave me a chance and I got into the last four, and it was the same last year, nobody gave me a chance again and I got into the last four, then I beat Raymond.
"There will be one year I surprise everybody and win it!
"I got my first win last week and hopefully now I can carry that on and move towards the top four."
Current league leader Dennis Priestley takes on Peter Manley in the night's opening clash, while in-form Terry Jenkins will meet Colin Lloyd in the other game.
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Holsten Premier League Darts
Week Six - 8 March
Press & Journal Arena, AECC, Aberdeen
Dennis Priestley v Peter Manley
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Roland Scholten v Raymond van Barneveld
Colin Lloyd v Terry Jenkins