2026 Premier League Darts Night 9 draw, match predictions and 3 storylines to watch in Manchester

The Premier League of Darts heads to Manchester this week for Night 9.

It's somewhat of a home reunion for Luke Littler, as the avid Manchester United fan will take the stage in front of thousands of fans from the city.

2026 Premier League Darts Night 9 Manchester draw

Here is the draw for the quarterfinal round on Night 9 of the 2026 PL.

MORE: 2026 Premier League Darts schedule, scores, results and updated table

Night 9 - AO Arena, Manchester (April 2)

• Michael van Gerwen v Stephen Bunting     
• Gerwyn Price vs Luke Humphries     
• Gian van Veen vs Luke Littler     
• Jonny Clayton vs Josh Rock

2026 Premier League Darts table ahead of Night 9

* = one or more wins were credited via advancing against a player who withdrew

MORE: 2026 Premier League of Darts: Get to know the 8 participants

Night 9 match predictions

Here are my predictions for a stacked slate on Night 9.

*Semifinals and final listed below are my predictions based on the quarterfinals

Quarterfinal 1: Michael van Gerwen vs. Stephen Bunting

Winner: Michael van Gerwen, 6-3

MVG has been on an upward trajectory in recent weeks/months, after a rough stretch in 2025.

We're starting to see his ceiling raised, as well as more consistent performances.

Bunting has had a handful of impressive games recently as well, but if MVG continues this streak of quality outputs, it'll be a tough night for Bunting.

Quarterfinal 2: Gerwyn Price vs. Luke Humphries

Winner: Gerwyn Price, 6-5

A Price/Humphries matchup always feels like it can be won by either player, and they'll face off this week in a vital stretch of this PL season.

Price sits third on the table, and a loss would allow Humphries to catch up to him.

Humphries has been great recently, but has been streaky at times in the PL this year, so I'll lean towards Price this time around, in what should be an entertaining clash.

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Quarterfinal 3: Gian van Veen vs. Luke Littler

Winner: Luke Littler, 6-3

As I said last week, there's a lot of unpredictability with van Veen, as he is slowly getting back into match shape.

Littler has historically played well against van Veen, and I don't think this match will be an outlier in favor of van Veen.

Quarterfinal 4: Jonny Clayton vs. Josh Rock

Winner: Jonny Clayton, 6-3

This will be the second straight week these two play in the quarterfinals.

Rock upset Clayton last week and got his first PL points in his match against the league leader.

Littler was able to overtake Clayton for first place because of that, so Clayton will be motivated to get back on track this week and get revenge on Rock in the process.

Semifinal 1: Michael van Gerwen vs. Gerwyn Price

Winner: Michael van Gerwen, 6-4

This is another matchup where both players will bring the best out of one another if they are up for the task.

I like the momentum van Gerwen is bringing into this week, so this could be his game to win if he cleans up in doubles and produces a respectable average.

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Semifinal 2: Luke Littler vs. Jonny Clayton

Winner: Luke Littler, 6-4

It's hard to go against Littler, as he's back playing his 'A game.'

Littler tends to get the result he needs in big moments, and he'll understand the importance of slowing down Clayton's progress on the PL table.

Final: Michael van Gerwen vs. Luke Littler

Winner: Michael van Gerwen, 6-5

If it wasn't for some spectacular bull hitting and scoring last week in vital moments, Littler could have been in danger of losing the Night 8 final to van Gerwen.

If they both win twice this week, they'd clash in the final, setting up another exciting match.

They've become one of the PL's top rivalries in recent weeks, and it would be hard to see van Gerwen drop another game against Littler.

Expect a close match either way, but van Gerwen certainly is in good enough form to produce an upset.

MORE: 2026 Premier League Darts prize money explained

Three storylines to watch during Night 9

Here are the main storylines to look out for on Night 9.

Who will win the Rock/Clayton Night 8 rematch?

Rock upset Clayton in the quarterfinals last week, but will have to beat him again to start a point streak.

Will an in-form van Veen show up this week?

Van Veen clearly wasn't 100% healthy last week. Not only does he face Littler, but being held to zero points would be consequential after a dry spell in the past few weeks.

Can van Gerwen make another run?

A run to the final on Night 8 was a confidence booster for MVG, but will he be able to pick up more points this week to protect his play-off spot?

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