Unibet PDC Home Tour – Group 10 Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
What is the Unibet PDC Home Tour? With the PDC Tour currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the PDC have devised the tournament to supply some darting action to players and fans, with all matches are being streamed live from the homes of the players who are involved.
Who is taking part in the Unibet PDC Home Tour? All 128 PDC Tour Card holders were invited to take part, though there are some absences, the most notable being Michael van Gerwen due to the birth of his second child earlier this month, whilst Gary Anderson and Daryl Gurney are both missing due to internet connection problems.
What is the format of the Unibet PDC Home Tour? Each night, four players compete in a round-robin format with matches played over the best-of-nine legs, with the 32 group winners qualifying for the second stage of the event.
When is the Unibet PDC Home Tour Group 10 taking place? Sunday 26th April, 2020 – 19:30 start (UK)
Where can I watch the Unibet PDC Home Tour? All PDC Home Tour action will be broadcast live on PDCTV for FREE to ALL registered PDCTV users, regardless of whether you have a paid or free membership.
THE PLAYERS
NATHAN ASPINALL
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Winner x2
Quarter-final x1
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 97.61
180s – 91 (0.30 per leg)
H2H
vs Ryan Joyce
W2, L2
Last meeting: Ryan Joyce 6-3 Nathan Aspinall (Oct 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Simon Stevenson
W1, L1
Last meeting: Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Simon Stevenson (May 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Steve Brown
W2, L0
Last meeting: Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Steve Brown (Jul 2016 – Players Championship)
PROSPECTS
2019 UK Open champion Nathan Aspinall is right up there amongst the top players in the sport at the moment. He had already claimed two ranking titles before the tour was disrupted and is rightfully the favourite to win this group.
RYAN JOYCE
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Last 16 x1
Last 32 x2
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 93.74
180s – 36 (0.24 per leg)
H2H
vs Nathan Aspinall
W2, L2
Last meeting: Ryan Joyce 6-3 Nathan Aspinall (Oct 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Simon Stevenson
W0, L2
Last meeting: Simon Stevenson 6-5 Ryan Joyce (Feb 2018 – Players Championship)
vs Steve Brown
N/A
PROSPECTS
Ryan Joyce might go under the radar but can’t be ignored when looking at a likely winner of this section. He defeated Aspinall in their last meeting and I certainly wouldn’t rule out his chances.
SIMON STEVENSON
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Last 32 x3
Last 64 x1
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 89.78
180s – 10 (0.08 per leg)
H2H
vs Nathan Aspinall
W1, L1
Last meeting: Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Simon Stevenson (May 2019 – Players Championship)
vs Ryan Joyce
W2, L0
Last meeting: Simon Stevenson 6-5 Ryan Joyce (Feb 2018 – Players Championship)
vs Steve Brown
N/A
PROSPECTS
Simon Stevenson has shown flashes of his ability on the tour but never really with the consistency that has seen him rise up the rankings. He’s not going to be easy to beat but it’s tough to see him toppling both Aspinall and Joyce.
STEVE BROWN
2020/21 SEASON SO FAR
Best Results in PDC Ranking Tournaments
Last 16 x1
Last 64 x3
Stats in PDC Players Championship tournaments
Average – 89.75
180s – 25 (0.19 per leg)
H2H
vs Nathan Aspinall
W0, L2
Last meeting: Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Steve Brown (Jul 2016 – Players Championship)
vs Ryan Joyce
N/A
vs Simon Stevenson
N/A
PROSPECTS
Steve Brown returned the tour this year after a few years of absence due to his involvement in running the JDC circuit. In a short format like this, anything is possible, but I would see it as a surprise if he topped the group.
THREE PICKS FROM 3 DART ANALYST
Nathan Aspinall -2.5 handicap vs Steve Brown
Aspinall is a formidable player who loves to compete. He will want to put down a marker with a strong opening performance and I think he can cover the -2.5 handicap.
Over 8.5 legs Ryan Joyce vs Simon Stevenson
Both of the previous meetings between Joyce and Stevenson have gone the distance and this match could follow suit.
Over 104.5 checkout in the match - Nathan Aspinall vs Ryan Joyce
Having already played one match previously on the night, I expect Aspinall and Joyce to have found their range, especially on the combination finishes.
