Can Defending Champion Humphries Overcome Struggles to Reach Premier League Top Four?

Defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries is in danger of missing out on the top four and failing to qualify for the Play-Offs at London's O2 on May 28. Currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table with 11 points after 10 weeks, Humphries is still searching for his first nightly victory. A 6-5 defeat to leader Jonny Clayton in Brighton last week has added to his struggles, with Clayton finishing with a bullseye to edge a last-leg decider. Humphries then suffered a last-16 exit at the Player Championship 9 in Wigan as Chris Dobey won his second title of 2026. Things won't get easier for the world No 2 as he faces home favourite Gian van Veen in Rotterdam on Thursday. With Humphries looking to build momentum and push towards the Play-Off places, Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy discussed his chances on the Love The Darts podcast. "Luke isn't dominating like he used to," said Bridge. "He's getting his life back on track, so I don't think things are affecting him as much as they used to. He'll try to go on a run now, but I don't think he'll be devastated if he doesn't make the top four." Humphries has six more nights to gain enough points to reach the Play-Off spots, with Michael van Gerwen currently occupying fourth spot on 16 points - five points ahead of Humphries. "I don't know what the problem is, but something seems off," said commentator Murphy. "Out of all the players outside the Play-Offs, I think he's the one who could win back-to-back nights and catapult himself into those places. It's not panic stations yet, but he is running out of time and needs to get that nightly win." Humphries remains unconcerned about his title defence, claiming he doesn't feel the pressure of defending. "You're not thinking about it every week you're playing in it," said the 31-year-old. "My average in the Premier League this year has been the best it's ever been. Maybe my timing has been off, and people are playing better against me. That's just what happens in sport. Sometimes you can be playing well and not getting the rewards. I am not too worried about the form; it's just that I haven't been performing at a consistent level in the Premier League. I'm still performing well, but it's up to me now to put in those big performances and try to get into the O2 and defend that title. If I don't, so be it. I won't be too hard on myself." The BetMGM Premier League moves to Rotterdam, where Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen will host Luke Humphries on his first Premier League night on home soil. Luke Littler will face Gerwyn Price in a crucial battle near the top of the table, while Stephen Bunting hopes to make further inroads towards the Play-Offs as he takes on Josh Rock. Ranking points are awarded per night, with the top four players progressing to Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28.