Van Gerwen needs a win
Reigning champion Michael van Gerwen will be fighting for a place in the top four despite his four overnight wins throughout the season.
The Dutchman starts Thursday two points above Smith in fourth place, and a fifth overnight win would confirm his place at London's O2 later this month.
He averaged 108 in the defeat to Cross on Night 14 and will play Gerwyn Price in today's opening quarter-final – a replay of the 2023 Premier League final.
Price returns to the oche after missing last week's action at Aberdeen due to a pinched nerve in his back, which subsequently ended the Welshman's slim hopes of qualification.
Ultimate confrontation
Nathan Aspinall and Michael Smith are set to face off in a matchup that could significantly impact the standings in the Play-Offs race.
Smith is now three points behind Aspinall after a semi-final appearance in Aberdeen.
But Aspinall has won both meetings with Smith in the Premier League this year.
The Asp heads to Leeds having ended his eleven-month wait for a PDC title at Players Championship 9 on Monday.
Luke is good
Luke Littler has an eight-point lead at the top after wins in Belfast, Manchester, Liverpool and Aberdeen in the last six weeks, and now the 17-year-old is chasing further history.
The World Youth Champion is aiming to become the first player to claim five overnight wins in a single season since the new format was introduced in 2022.
He kicks off his bid against a struggling Peter Wright.
Littler said: “This is what I dreamed of growing up watching the Premier League every Thursday.
“Making the Play-Offs was my goal coming into the Premier League, so to have achieved that with two weeks to spare is a great achievement.
“I am very happy with the way my darts are going. In the first few weeks [of the Premier League] I came fourth or fifth, but I have been at the top for quite a few weeks now and hopefully I can stay there!
“I'll know the record in the next two weeks [for nightly wins] is there to be destroyed, but whatever happens, I'm still going to the O2!”
Humphries continued
“The parading of [World Championship] trophy at Elland Road was one of the best moments of my life.
I got a great reception from the fans, and it's something that will stay with me forever.
“Hopefully it will be the same tomorrow, but it will test my personality. How can I take the emotion out of it and put in a good performance?
“For me, the driving factor will be my new walk-on song and the crowd's reception.
“Once I figure that out, I will fully concentrate on winning because I want to experience the crowd's reaction three times tomorrow night!”
Humphries goes home
Luke Humphries hopes to wow his home crowd at the First Direct Arena in Leeds tonight.
The Yorkshire-born star and world number 1 has already secured his spot for the play-offs in London.
The 29-year-old said: “My mentality hasn't changed. I still want to go out there and win,” emphasized Humphries, who will debut a new walk-on song tomorrow night.
“Winning at Leeds would be a good achievement in terms of my best performances, but I know I'm done with it so I can go out and play with some freedom.
“Leeds is a big part of my life. I love coming to Elland Road to watch the team, and there are a lot of staff from Leeds to support me, which is great.”