Premier League Darts 2016: Date, TV Schedule, Live Stream Info for Dublin

Premier League Darts returns on Thursday, with the world's top four players set to clash in Dublin, as Michael van Gerwen faces off against Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson comes head-to-head with Phil Taylor.

Masters champion Van Gerwen remains desperate to seal the Premier League title at the third time of asking, following back-to-back final disappointments, while Lewis remains unbeaten after two nights of action.

Here are the key viewing details, a look ahead to some of the matchups on offer, and the players who will be out to impress in the Irish capital.

Date: Thursday, February 18

Venue: 3Arena, Dublin

Live Stream: Live PDC TV (UK), Sky Go (UK)

TV Info: Live coverage on Sky Sports

Heavyweights Collide

Two-time world champion and 2011 Premier League runner-up Lewis has begun the new season in superb form and currently tops the leaderboard with a two-leg advantage over the only other unbeaten competitor, Peter Wright, per Sky Sports. Wins over Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall will see Lewis arrive full of confidence ahead of his meeting with Van Gerwen.

The Dutchman, who bounced back from defeat to James Wade on the opening night with a convincing victory over premium opponent James Anderson, went on to claim the Dutch Darts Masters European Tour event last weekend, per PDC’s official site. 

Van Gerwen spoke proudly of representing his country following his triumph:

History is certainly not on 31-year-old Lewis’ side in this encounter, with the Englishman having won just twice against his upcoming opponent in their previous 19 meetings, per DartsDatabase.com. 

Take a look at all the action from Week 2's highlights:

In the night’s other main event clash, reigning champion Anderson, who cemented his status as one of the all-time greats with a second world title in December, will be looking to bounce back from his defeat against Lewis in Week 2 when he takes on Taylor.

Six-time winner Taylor was in purring form last time out in Newcastle as he produced a masterclass with the arrows to down James Wade 7-1.

Per the Daily Record, the 55-year-old is excited at the prospect of meeting his long-term oche opponent, commenting: "I can't wait, trust me; I am so looking forward to practicing! It's a different practice against Gary. Gary has a big target on his back, and I'm after Gary, of course I am."

Elsewhere on the third night of action, Raymond van Barneveld faces the returning Robert Thornton following his recovery from illness, per Sky Sports. Undefeated Peter Wright comes up against Wade at the top of the order, and Dave Chisnall takes on the out-of-form Michael Smith.

The outcome of Thursday's headline matches in Dublin will certainly not decide who goes on to claim the Premier League title, but with two rounds of action already under their belts, confidence and rhythm is beginning to build throughout the division. For others, another negative outcome could see their downward momentum intensify.

On the night, it will be difficult to pick a winner from either game, but a significant scalp for either Van Gerwen, Lewis, Anderson or Taylor will see them head to Aberdeen for Week 4 in the knowledge one of their key challengers has fallen at their feet.