"Number one, outright winner. Well, he's the UK Open champion, World Matchplay champion, World Grand Prix champion, Grand Slam champion. He's changed this game forever. That story of from a 16-year-old to be world number one by the age of 18. I think our current world champion, our world number one will retain the World Championship.

I've just come back from Finland with all the best players in the world. And he does he stands out. He's intriguing. He does things his way. And for me, Luke Littler will win this year's world title."

Selection: Littler to Win.

"Now, after he got beat at the Grand Slam of Darts, Luke Humphries said, "I will win the World Championship." And that's good enough for me, in a sense that he still feels confident, and he looked pretty chipper. He looked in good shape in Finland.

I was just watching his game, watching his demeanour, watching his preparation. So, part of the bet will be that Luke Humphries has to get to at least the semi-finals."

Selection: Humphries to Reach SF.

"One of my favourite players, the guy who I beat in the 2017 BDO Lakeside Championship, Danny Noppert. Mr Consistency, I called him at the Grand Slam of Darts. And part of the bet is that he has to get to the quarter-finals. I like his section of the draw. He's not been great at Alexandra Palace. That's been my one concern.

But I think that has to change and will change because his consistency is just too good right now. And I like what Danny's been doing this year. He'll want to keep that momentum going throughout the World Championships."

Selection: Noppert to Reach QF.