The main reason he has been pegged back is the emergence of Gerwyn Price. ‘Ice-man’ enjoyed a successful campaign in the 2019 Premier League and has since gone in to lift himself up to third in the order of merit.

A sensational display at the Grand Slam of Darts, with victories over MvG and then Peter Wright in the final Price retained his title. Along with a final at the Players Championship Finals, the 29-year-old is second in the betting order at 9/2.

Raymond van Barneveld’s outstanding career with come a close this Christmas at the palace, and the big Dutchman will be hoping for a fairy-tale fifth World Title. He will have to it the hard way after not qualifying as a seed, and if he is to progress past Darin Young in round one, with face former prodigy Jeffrey de Zwaan in round two.

 Recent performances suggest Barney is up for the fight, but the odds suggest it may be a tough task. The former Premier League champion is 150/1 with most bookies to go all the way in the capital, but if Taylor can produce the magic at the Matchplay, then who says Barney can’t make history at the Palace.