Jonny Clayton has vowed to “attack” to keep his lead at the top of the Premier League standings ahead of night six on March 12, live on Sky Sports.
He explained that consistently winning the first match and getting those two points is his baseline expectation for himself with any additional points – a real bonus.
The 2021 league winner has built a five-point lead over the rest of the field and took the win on night three to boost his place in the standings.
“At the end of the day you’re trying to get as many points as possible,” Clayton said.
“If I could qualify for week 17 after week 12, then the job is done, is it.
“So I am always looking to attack, always looking for the two points.
“Anything more than that is a plus.”
But on Thursday Clayton will face seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen in the opening round as the Dutchman looks to close down on the league leader.
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Jonny Clayton pins a brilliant 156 finish against Luke Littler in their Premier League week 4 clash
Van Gerwen currently sits in fifth with eight points and has seemed to struggle with form since winning the opening night on February fifth in Newcastle.
“I enjoy playing against Mike, I respect Mike a lot,” Clayton said.
“You know, I’ve always liked the way he plays that. He never blames anybody else.
“He just plays. And if it’s not his night, he blames himself, nobody else, nothing else matters.
“He goes back and he focuses on what he’s done wrong, and I think I’ve picked up a lot of tips up from that.
“No one else can help you, it’s just you, you’ve got to put things right and I really respect that so to play against Mike we just go up, we play the game of darts, no nonsense.”
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Take a look back at some memorable moments from the Premier League in Cardiff
Their friendly yet fierce rivalry extends beyond the Premier League as Clayton is also eager to bunny hop van Gerwen in the PDC Order of Merit to take the fourth spot behind Gian van Veen.
“I’ve done something right and I’ve got a chance of maybe catching or passing Mike,” Clayton added.
“But, you know, I’m sure he’s going to have some ideas on that as well.
“He won’t want a little Irish man passing him, so yeah that’s my aim.
“If I can get above Michael van Gerwen, I can always say I was that one spot better than van Gerwen in life.
“So, I’d be quite happy.”
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Watch Night Six live on Thursday March 12 from 7pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports+. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
