Still world no. 1, Humphries is the bookies' second favourite behind Luke Littler.

He has, however, got course form having won this event in 2023 and being the runner-up to Mike De Decker last year.

Tournament history is a good indicator in this event, as it is the only one with a double-in and out required in each leg.

Also to his advantage on his side of the draw, he misses Littler, Price, Rock, van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton, who're all in the bottom half.

He has a potentially tough start against Nathan Aspinall, but he has won his last four meetings with the Asp.

Recent Tournaments:

28th September – Euro Tour – Swiss Darts Trophy lost in the last 16 to Ryan Searle with an average of 92.77.

21st September – Euro Tour – Hungarian Darts Trophy lost in the quarters to Niko Springer with an average of 101.11.

12th September – World Series of Darts lost in the quarters to a resurgent Michael van Gerwen with an average of 97.73.

Whilst this is not world no. 1 form, the averages are healthy, and the double in/out as well as the set play format suits him.

World no. 4, but currently ranked sixth with the bookies.

Bunting is in Luke Humphries' side of the draw, but isn't due to meet him until the semis – and if he reaches the last four, his confidence will be up to at least give Humphries a scare.

The Bullet will be keen to put right his disappointment in the World Series against Danny Noppert, as they are likely to meet in the last 16 here.

Bunting won the last Euro Tour event in Switzerland with a 103.9 average.

Recent Tournaments:

28th September – Euro Tour – Won the Swiss Dart,s Trophy beating Luke Woodhouse in the final with an Average of 103.9.

21st September – Euro Tour – Hungarian Darts Trophy, narrowly lost in the last 32 to Tribault Tricole with an Average of 93.02.

12th September – World Series of Darts Finals, narrowly lost in the last 32 to Danny Noppert with an average of 94.31.

His doubles are continuing to improve, and the double start shouldn’t be a concern, he is another player who will relish the set format.

Gian Van Veen is beginning to live up to his promise.

He starts with the most difficult tie possible, against Luke Littler, but he has a good head-to-head record against him.

The double in format may suit him and may put Littler off his stride. By his standards, Littler has been a slow starter, which may finally catch him out against van Veen. Littler lost in the first round of the World Grand Prix, to Rob Cross, last year and van Veen has won his last three matches against the reigning world champion.

Gian van Veen's averages in the recent tournaments have been awesome, with a peak of 105.95 (unfortunately in defeat to Niko Springer) and only once being under 100 (92.75 in a match he comfortably won against Nathan Rafferty).

Recent Tournaments:

28th September – Euro Tour – Swiss Darts Trophy lost in a classic in the semi-final to Stephen Bunting with an average of 102.

21st September – Euro Tour – Hungarian Darts Trophy lost in the last 48 to Niko Springer with an average of 105.95.

10th September – Players Championship lost early to Joe Hunt with an average of 102.94.

His career has shown that he can play magnificently without getting the tournament wins – this has got to change sometime – if he gets past Littler despite being in the tough half of the draw, he could go a long way.

World no. 9, ranked 11th with the bookies here.

Cross is in Luke Humphries' half of the draw and is due to meet him in the quarter-finals if results go his way.

Voltage can give anybody a tough match and seems to perform especially well when going under the radar, as he will be here.

Cross had a classic tussle with, eventual winner, Michael van Gerwen in the World Series of Darts Finals, losing 6-5.

Recent Tournaments:

28th September – Euro Tour – Swiss Darts Trophy lost in the quarter-final to Gian van Veen with an average of 98.64.

21st September – Euro Tour – Hungarian Darts Trophy lost in the last 16 to Niko Springer with an average of 95.51.

12th September – World Series of Darts Finals narrowly lost in the last 16 to Michael van Gerwen with an average of 96.45.

Expect Cross to have a good run and overcome Wessel Nijman in the first round, with the focus elsewhere, he could well be a surprise winner here.