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Premier League darts: Night 16 preview and schedule as Cullen relishes Wright showdown

Joe Cullen and Peter Wright clash in the final league night of the season in Newcastle, with the winner bagging the final play-off spot in the Premier League.

It's all up for grabs in Newcastle in the final week of Premier League darts before the play-offs, with just one spot up for grabs.
And that spot will be sealed in the second match of the night as fourth-placed Joe Cullen faces fifth-placed Peter Wright.
They're level on 22 points meaning the winner of their quarter-final tie will secure the final play-off spot in this winner-takes-all showdown.

Jonny Clayton is assured of top spot as he takes on Gary Anderson who is guaranteed to finish bottom with just a £10,000 weekly bonus to play for.

Also on Thursday, second-placed Michael van Gerwen faces Michael Smith and James Wade goes up against Gerwyn Price.

Night 16 order of play

Quarter-Finals

Jonny Clayton 19:10 Gary Anderson
Joe Cullen 19:40 Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen 20:10 Michael Smith
James Wade 20:40 Gerwyn Price

Semi-Finals

Clayton/Anderson vs Cullen/Wright
Van Gerwen/Smith vs Wade/Price
Semi-finals will start at around 20:40 BST, while the final is expected to take place at 21:45 BST.

Joe Cullen vs Peter Wright

Cullen sits in fourth after winning last week in London, and now the last man to get into the Premier League has a play-off spot in his own hands.
"You don't want to be relying on people to win or lose for you. It is in my own hands," said Cullen.
"I have beaten Peter the last two times I have played him, so I think he will definitely be conscious of that."
"If I lose to Peter, it is my own fault. There will be no problem, it is so much easier to take.

"I have really enjoyed my time here, and if I can get into the play-offs in Berlin, it will be a successful Premier League."

The pair have met four times in the current Premier League, with their current head-to-head record nicely poised at 2-2.

Jonny Clayton vs Gary Anderson

Defending champion Jonny Clayton will go into the play-offs as top seed and face whoever ends up finishing fourth in Berlin.
The Welshman will feel good about his chances of retaining his title in Germany and will want to go there on the back of a fifth weekly victory of the season.
Gary Anderson has had a poor season and will finish bottom of the table, with just a £10,000 to play for this week.

Michael van Gerwen vs Michael Smith

It's Michael Smith's last chance to avoid being the only player not to win a weekly prize all season.
Michael van Gerwen is safe in second in the table so has no massive need in Newcastle, but he's the ultimate competitor and will want to send a message ahead of the play-offs.

Bully Boy actually won their last meeting but that came after suffering five straight defeats to MVG this season.

James Wade vs Gerwyn Price

James Wade returned after illness last week, and will want to get a solid week under his belt before going in search of a second Premier League crown.
The 2009 champion plays Gerwyn Price, who cannot make the play-offs but will want to earn a third win of what has ultimately been a disappointing campaign.
A good performance from Wade can seal third spot, but given he'll either face Clayton or Van Gerwen in the semi-finals there's not exactly an easy option.
READ MORE: Premier League darts permutations for night 16 in Newcastle

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