Michael van Gerwen PDC World Darts Odds: MVG is 7/2 to win his fourth crown

We are just two days away from the PDC World Darts Championship returning to Alexandra Palace for what is one of the sporting staples of the winter calendar.

Darts fans are going to be treated in the run-up to Christmas and will have an excellent way to see in the New Year, particularly if this year's final can live up to the billing of last year's thriller between champion Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen.

As the tournament's opening day nears, we preview some of the high-profile players set to descend on London this week.

Three-time winner MVG returns to Ally Pally in the hopes of securing his fourth world title, and if he plays like he did last year, he will very tough to stop.

Van Gerwen tends to be a fan favourite inside Ally Pally but last year most people in attendance were supporting Smith in that spectacular final. He is an entertainer and the crowds that gather over the next few weeks will be intent on seeing some more MVG magic.

The Dutchman has pedigree on this stage with three world titles already claimed, and he will be more hungry than ever to claim his fourth crown at this iconic venue.

2023 hasn't been as productive by his standards in terms of majors success, with the Premier League his sole big win this season.  But Van Gerwen has played some extraordinary darts at times this past year, including at last year's World Championship, but also at the recent Players' Championship, where he was beaten by tournament favourite Luke Humphries in the final.

This just further highlights the form Humphries is in heading to Ally Pally. However, MVG has a rich history on this stage and he has featured in the semi-finals here in eight out of the last 11 tournaments. He is very much a man for the big occasion and someone Humphries will still be worried about should they cross paths in the coming weeks.

Rod Studd gave a lowdown of Van Gerwen's chances this winter. He tells Betfred: "Only Phil 'The Power' Taylor has won the PDC world crown more than the three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, who was denied his fourth title a year ago to Michael Smith in the final, despite having played exceptionally throughout the event.

"At the recent Players' Championship finals, he averaged a jaw-dropping 118 against Ross Smith but still didn't go on to win the title. He lost to [Luke] Humphries in the final.

"He did, however, win the Premier League back in May at the O2 Arena, where he beat Gerwyn Price in the final. At his best, Van Gerwen is still an exceptional talent and still arguably the best in the world when on-song. But he has looked vulnerable at times this year.

"In terms of the World Championship, he's reached eight of the last semi-finals, only stopped by Dave Chisnall, Raymond van Barneveld and a positive covid test."