Time running out for Humphries - Premier League Darts permutations

Luke Humphries faces a must-win situation in Thursday's final league night fixtures as his Premier League Darts playoff hopes hang by a thread. The world number one has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, and defeat against Nathan Aspinall combined with other results going against him would see the 2024 champion miss out on the top four.

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The mathematical permutations are complex, but the simplest path for Humphries is clear: win his match against Aspinall and hope that Luke Littler defeats table-topper Luke Humphries' main rival. Should Humphries lose, his fate would be out of his hands entirely, depending on results elsewhere.

Littler has emerged as the form player in recent weeks, winning three consecutive nights to dramatically close the gap at the top of the table. The 19-year-old now sits just two points behind league leader with matches in hand on several rivals. His evening performance could prove decisive in determining who qualifies for finals night.

Simon Whitlock and Stephen Bunting have also thrown their names into contention, creating what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the league phase. The top four after Thursday's action will advance to the playoff night at the AO Arena in Manchester, where £275,000 in prize money will be on offer.

Thursday's action begins at 7pm GMT at the M&S Bank Arena, with all eight players in action across two stages. Sky Sports will broadcast the evening's proceedings, with commentary from David 'The Diamond' Taylor and John Part.