Stephen Burton vs Alexander Merkx Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 PDC World Darts Championship | First Round

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An unseeded first round clash sees Stephen Burton take on Alexander Merkx, with the winner set to face Chris Dobey in round two.

Start date/time: Friday 20th December, 2024, UK – not before 12:45pm / US ET – not before 7:45am / US PT – not before 4:45am

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – DAZN

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – DAZN

Stephen Burton vs Alexander Merkx Prediction

Although neither of these two players are in the best of form lately, Stephen Burton does at least have a notable victory over James Wade to his name in the recent PDC Players Championship Finals. Alexander Merkx qualified for his first ever World Darts Championship via the Winmau Challenge Tour order of merit alongside Christian Kist, who made headlines for hitting a nine-darter earlier in the first round.

Merkx is known for his fast-throwing style and Burton will need to adapt as appropriate. But when taking into account the stakes for both players, it would be no surprise to see some nerves at the oche, which may lead to missed doubles on either side.

Whilst Burton comes into the match as favourite, this is unlikely to be a walkover and it would be no surprise if this game ended up going the distance, so backing over 4.5 total sets looks a potentially shrewd play.

Stephen Burton vs Alexander Merkx Tip: Over 4.5 total sets