Can Defending Champion Humphries Recover to Make the Premier League Top Four?

As the Premier League season progresses, defending champion Luke Humphries is at risk of missing out on a top-four spot and a place in the Play-Offs at London's O2 on May 28. With 11 points from 10 weeks, Humphries sits seventh in the table and is still searching for his first nightly victory. A recent 6-5 defeat to leader Jonny Clayton in Brighton has added to the pressure, and a last-16 exit at the Player Championship 9 in Wigan has not helped his cause. Humphries faces a tough test against home favourite Gian van Veen in Rotterdam, and commentators Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy have discussed his chances of turning his season around. "Luke isn't dominating like he used to," said Bridge. "He's getting his life back on track, and I don't think missing the top four would devastate him like it would have a couple of years ago." With six nights remaining, Humphries needs to gain enough points to overtake Michael van Gerwen, who currently occupies fourth spot with 16 points. Commentator Chris Murphy believes Humphries has the ability to go on a winning streak and catapult himself into the Play-Off spots. "I don't think it's panic time yet, but he is running out of time and needs to get that nightly win," said Murphy. Humphries remains confident, claiming he doesn't feel the pressure of defending his title. "You're not thinking about it every week you're playing in it," he said. "My average this year in the Premier League has been the best it has ever been, but maybe my timing has been off, and people are playing better against me." The Premier League moves to Rotterdam, where Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen will host Humphries, and home hero Michael van Gerwen will face Jonny Clayton. Ranking points are awarded per night, with the top four players progressing to Finals Night at The O2 in London on May 28.