'I think Michael will bounce back': Phil Taylor names Michael van Gerwen as joker in the pack for World Matchplay

Phil Taylor suspects one of the "deadly Lukes" will take the World Matchplay title this year. Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are considered the two top favorites for the title prior to the tournament.

Humphries is aiming to defend his title and wants to join a select list of players who managed to defend their title in Blackpool. For Littler, it will be his second appearance on this stage, following his debut last year in which he was eliminated in the opening round by Michael van Gerwen.

Taylor, himself a 16-time world champion and 16-time World Matchplay winner, is clear in his analysis. “Luke Littler definitely can win it. Luke Humphries can 100 percent win it," he said in a preview on the MODUS Super Series YouTube channel. “For me it will be one of them two.”

Still, he does not rule out other contenders. Taylor mentions several names he believes could reach deep, the first being Chris Dobey. “The person I would love to do well is Chris Dobey. He is a great little player but just misses the doubles at the wrong time under pressure."

Jonny Clayton also gets a mention, although Taylor comments on his current form. “Jonny Clayton is capable of winning it but at the minute I don’t think his standard is as good," he said.

Nathan Aspinall might surprise, though, according to Taylor. “Nathan Aspinall is a battler and I think the format suits him down to the ground." And then there is the reborn James Wade, who has recently been showing signs of his old class again. “Whether James wins it or not I would not say but I do think he could do well and get to the semis. He is starting to show form again."

Yet it is Michael van Gerwen who is putting Taylor forward as a possible wild card. The Dutchman had a difficult spring, partly due to personal circumstances, but seems to be quietly getting himself back on track.

“The player I am going to be on the fence with is Michael van Gerwen. We all know he has had a bit of trouble in his life with his marriage and how it affects him I don’t know.

“I think Michael will bounce back so everything seems to be fine. I think Michael will show a lot of form in the World Matchplay.

“So, as a bet have an outside bet on Michael. He will do really well because he wants to win now.”