'People need years to figure Blackpool out': Paul Nicholson picks Ryan Searle for stunning Luke Littler World Matchplay upset

It was a mixed bag when it came to the analysts during the latest episode of Love the Darts with Paul Nicholson picking Ryan Searle for a stunning upset over Luke Littler at the World Matchplay.

But Michael Bridge on the otherhand sees Littler as being bang up for his return to Blackpool one year on from drawing Michael van Gerwen. A match where MVG had a huge point to prove after a poor year, he has that again but not against Luke Littler. He faces Raymond van Barneveld but after being indifferent as of late, Littler will be bang up for it believes Bridge.

"His dad said to me at the event at Hyde Park that he's bang up for it. With Luke Littler it's like with all the Premier League's we saw a year ago, I'm going to win and he did. It was the Manchester event because it meant something to him. The defeat to Michael (van Gerwen) in the first round, I think he lost to Rob Cross last year in the World Grand Prix," said Bridge on Love the Darts.

"He'll probably be thinking of that going forward as well. He'll look to beat someone up. But Ryan Searle is going to be a tough one but I expect Luke to go through in that one I do. I reckon he's really up for this. Both Luke's look like they've had some short breaks, no exhibitions. So they could be slightly recharged."

While Nicholson said that just can't shake the feeling that Searle is going to upset the apple cart. He pointed to the fact that some players just don't get Blackpool at times and that Littler could be one of those.

While he said he might have egg on his face if it does transpire that Littler wins, he can't not pick 'Heavy Metal' to do the business.

"You look at Ryan Searle the last three times he's played at Blackpool. He's averaged 100+ every time, he's never beaten Littler in three attempts. But I have a weird feeling Searle is going to turn up in the first round and cause Littler all sorts of problems."

"It's first to 10. I've actually got Searle winning this game, upsets happen. Look at the World Cup. I know it's a very different thing as that's pairs and this is singles. There are times people just need years to figure Blackpool out. Littler will be up for it but the more I looked at it I feel Searle is going to edge it."

"Searle will like this draw because he's under no pressure whatsoever."