Can Defending Champion Luke 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 the top four and failing to secure a spot in the Play-Offs at London's O2 on May 28. Currently sitting seventh in the table with 11 points after 10 weeks, Humphries is still seeking his first nightly victory. His recent performance includes a 6-5 defeat to leader Jonny Clayton in Brighton, where Clayton sealed the win with a bullseye in a last-leg decider. Humphries also suffered a last-16 exit at the Player Championship 9 in Wigan, with Chris Dobey claiming his second title of 2026. His upcoming match against home favorite Gian van Veen in Rotterdam will be a challenging test. Analysts Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy discussed Humphries' chances of turning his season around on the Love The Darts podcast. 'Luke isn't dominating like he used to,' Bridge said. '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 more nights to gain enough points, Humphries faces an uphill battle, as seven-time winner Michael van Gerwen currently occupies fourth spot with 16 points - five points ahead of Humphries. Commentator Murphy believes Humphries has the potential to go on a winning streak and catapult himself into the top four. 'I don't think it's time to panic yet, but he is running out of time and needs to win nights to get through,' Murphy said. Humphries remains calm about his title defense, stating he doesn't feel the pressure of defending his title. 'You're not thinking about it every week you're playing in it,' the 31-year-old said. 'I think my average this year in the Premier League has been the best it has ever been.' The BetMGM Premier League continues in Rotterdam, with crucial matches that will impact the league table and the top four spots.