Michael van Gerwen is enduring a difficult start to the Premier League darts season, failing to progress beyond the semi-finals in all three weeks so far.
The Dutch star, a seven-time Premier League champion, has struggled to recapture his best form in the competition.
Van Gerwen, 35, also suffered a defeat to teenage sensation Luke Littler earlier this year.
The world number three will be looking to turn his fortunes around when the Premier League arrives in Exeter this Thursday.
Michael van Gerwen has had a tough time so far in the Premier League
PA
Van Gerwen will face former world champion Rob Cross in Thursday night’s opening match in Exeter.
The odds are stacked against the Dutchman, with Cross having won six of their last seven encounters.
Despite his pedigree as one of darts’ greatest players, Van Gerwen faces an uphill battle to progress to the night four final.
The Premier League format requires consistent performance, something Van Gerwen has struggled to maintain in recent weeks.
PDC star Matthew Edgar believes van Gerwen is set for a dramatic return to form.
“I think he’s in a situation he probably doesn’t like. The conversation of who is the best player in the world has always been Michael van Gerwen or this or that player,” Edgar said.
“But he’s not really in that conversation, despite the fact he reached a world final. He’s being overlooked.”
Edgar predicts a strong response from the Dutchman: “I think there’s going to be a backlash. We’re going to see Michael van Gerwen hit back and hit back hard.”
Van Gerwen himself remains defiant about his current form and mindset.
“A lot of people, they don’t have a mindset. You know what I mean? They just say they have a mindset, but they’re weak as f***. And that’s the way how it is,” he stated bluntly.
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Michael van Gerwen will be desperate to win back his Premier League crown
PA
The Dutchman appears unfazed by discussions about his performances.
“[Talk about my form] happens when I am not even playing my best darts, so could you imagine if I played my best darts?” he added.
Despite his current struggles, Van Gerwen remains one of the sport’s elite competitors as the world number three.
The Dutchman will be eager to remind fans why he’s a seven-time Premier League champion when he takes to the oche in Exeter.
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Luke Littler took Michael van Gerwen’s Premier League crown last year
PA
Van Gerwen’s competitive spirit remains undimmed despite his recent setbacks.
The Premier League format gives him weekly opportunities to rediscover his championship-winning form.
Fans will be watching closely to see if this week marks the beginning of Van Gerwen’s much-anticipated comeback.