Around The Clock: Predictions for tonight's eight World Grand Prix clashes

Every Monday, Odds Now's resident darts guru Matt Hill is on hand to get you up to speed with all the key stories and betting angles in planet darts in his exclusive column, Around The Clock.

The World Grand Prix kicks off in Leicester this evening, so in many ways, this week’s column writes itself!

I won’t bore you with a full tournament preview. Not here anyway, as I’ve already written one — check that one out HERE (note: it’s a long read!).

But while that piece takes a more overarching view of things, I’ve decided to use this week’s column to give some quickfire thoughts on tonight’s eight first-round matches.

This tournament is particularly rife for upsets and I’m hoping I’ve unearthed a couple of them here. Let us know your thoughts on social media too!

World Grand Prix first round predictions — October 7, 2024

Josh Rock vs Ryan Joyce

Tricky one, this. Under normal circumstances, you’d expect Rock to outscore Joyce on a big stage but the double-in element is a real leveller.

Joyce is one of the best finishers around and since the start of July, his checkout percentage is 44.12% compared with Rock’s 39.07% — a significant gap.

Rock’s one previous visit here was a disaster, losing 2-0 in his opener to Michael van Gerwen averaging just 73.44. This format may not suit his game.

All things considered, I have to chance Joyce at 7/4.

Prediction: Rock 1-2 Joyce

Brendan Dolan vs Martin Schindler

Dolan is a dangerous man to discount completely given his experience. Of course, he earned his History Maker nickname here 13 years ago when hitting the first ever televised double-in nine-darter.

However, there’s a stark contrast in form between him and Schindler, who is on the crest of a wave having won his second Euro Tour title of the year only eight days ago.

Dolan’s doubles have been dire in recent times. His 35% checkout rate since July 1st is the worst in the tournament (and 115th in the PDC), whereas Schindy is at a rock solid 41% in the same timeframe.

I’m expecting the German to win this in straight sets.

Prediction: Dolan 0-2 Schindler

Jonny Clayton vs Richie Edhouse

The Ferret has endured some tough times off the oche which have impacted his performances but I have been delighted to observe a recent upturn in form.

He’s still not fully firing but the Welshman is on the right track. He’ll hope that, combined with a significant advantage in the experience stakes, can help him past WGP debutant Edhouse.

What a last 12 months Madhouse has had. I would say his form has dipped a bit in the last few months but then last week, he was posting outrageous averages on the Pro Tour!

Both of this pair’s meetings this term have gone the distance (one 6-5 win apiece) so no reason to think this won’t follow a similar line. Clayton to nick it, for me.

Prediction: Clayton 2-1 Edhouse

Nathan Aspinall vs Ryan Searle

A standout tie as two of the world’s best collide in round one. I thought I’d be a Searle backer here but now I’m not so sure.

Aspinall has had yet more injury woes to contend with but since he returned to action last month, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with where his game is at. He’s averaged over 98 in five of his last seven matches.

Searle had that bruising Euro Tour final loss to Schindler eight days ago where he missed seven championship darts. You wonder how easily he’ll be able to brush that off.

All things considered I can only see this going three sets, with Aspinall getting the narrow vote due to his superior price.

Prediction: Aspinall 2-1 Searle

Raymond van Barneveld vs Ricardo Pietreczko

Barney may not produce the brilliance of yesteryear on a regular basis but he does still have a bit of magic in the locker — as shown by his world ranking still being up at #25.

He takes on Pietreczko in round one, another player who has had injury issues recently. I half-expected him to withdraw a couple of weeks ago but the German appears to have shaken off his arm injury for now, at least.

These two met on the Euro Tour less than a fortnight ago and Barney won a scrappy affair 6-5, where Pietreczko’s injury was clearly hampering him.

I just can’t back Pikachu with any confidence at the moment so you’d have to say Barneveld, though its not a strong pick.

Prediction: Van Barneveld 2-1 Pietreczko

Luke Humphries vs Stephen Bunting

Defending champ Humphries has been handed a tough opening assignment against the popular and in-form Stephen Bunting, who made three straight floor finals last week.

Though he lost them all — including the final one to Humphries himself — the Bullet looks in great nick and is more than capable of causing an upset here.

However, I oppose Humphries very rarely because he’s such a reliable operator. Plus, he’s won four of the pair’s six meetings this year, including both their Major clashes (UK Open and World Matchplay).

This should be an entertaining affair and no result will shock me but for the purposes of predictions, Humphries is the safer call.

Prediction: Humphries 2-1 Bunting

Rob Cross vs Luke Littler

Teen sensation Littler is the favourite for this title but even though I am in awe of him, I can’t back him at such a short price at his first Grand Prix

Nobody has won this on debut (excluding Phil Taylor in the inaugural edition) and there’s good reason for that — this format is very different from what the pros play on a weekly basis.

Cross has largely been overlooked in this one, for me. I think he’s a superb bet at the prices, given we don’t know how Littler will handle the unique circumstances of not “getting off” instantly. Meanwhile, this is Voltage’s eighth Grand Prix, which has to count for something.

Again, no result will surprise but I definitely want to be with the four-time major winner at a juicy 15/8.

Prediction: Cross 2-1 Littler

Gian van Veen vs Ross Smith

I really like both of these players. Smith has obviously been there and done it somewhat with his European Championship win, while Van Veen is a major winner in-waiting.

I must admit though, I’ve been a bit concerned with Smudger’s recent form. First round losses to Tim Wolters and Rob Owen at the last two floor events have done little to quell those fears.

Crucially, Van Veen is one of the few players who can live with Smith’s power scoring and I think he’ll relish this big stage opportunity. The boy has some serious talent.

At 5/4, I’m happy to chance yet another upset here.

Prediction: Van Veen 2-1 Smith

Matt Hill's best bets for day one of the 2024 World Grand Prix

Ryan Joyce to beat Josh Rock - 7/4 (Coral)
Martin Schindler to beat Brendan Dolan 2-0 - 13/8 (BetMGM)
Rob Cross to beat Luke Littler - 15/8 (AK Bets)
Gian van Veen to beat Ross Smith - 5/4 (Livscore Bet)