PHIL TAYLOR is preparing for his favourite challenge when he faces Raymond van Barneveld in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts on Thursday.
Taylor and van Barneveld have enjoyed a host of high-profile clashes since the Dutchman joined the PDC in 2006.
While Taylor has the edge in their Premier League meetings, van Barneveld defeated the Stoke legend in the 2007 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship final and also at the Blue Square UK Open for the past three years.
They meet at the NIA in Birmingham on Thursday, and Taylor - the defending Premier League champion who sits second in the table at present - is expecting another classic.
"It's a big game against Raymond, and always will be," said Taylor. "It's a game people want to watch and the size of the crowds shows that.
"For me, it's a game I love and I'd play Raymond every week if I could. I enjoy playing Raymond and he enjoys playing me - we bring the best out of each other."
Taylor defeated van Barneveld on the opening night of this year's Premier League, but the Dutchman has had three wins and a draw in his last four matches to move into the top four.
"He's a professional and he's putting himself right," said Taylor. "I like that in him.
"Since Liverpool he's been getting better and better - and my form has probably dropped a little so it's going to be a tough game."
Tickets are still available for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts at the NIA.
Click here to purchase online from The Ticket Factory or visit 0871 945 6000.
See highlights from the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts in PDCtv
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Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Eight - NIA, Birmingham
Wayne Mardle v Mervyn King
Terry Jenkins v Jelle Klaasen
John Part v James Wade
Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
Please Note 6.30pm start for this event
Live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD1 from 6.30pm
Listen to live audio commentary and see match highlights in PDCtv - click here for PDCtv
Click here to purchase the official Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Programme