Luke Littler tipped to play new opponent after Michael van Gerwen withdrawal

Darts fans want a new opponent who is not in the Premier League to face Luke Littler in Glasgow after Michael van Gerwen's withdrawal.

Van Gerwen was due to face Littler in the quarter-finals of Premier League night three, but has been forced to pull out due to an unspecified illness.

The Dutchman, who won night one and is top of the table, will record a leg of difference of minus six as a result of failing to play Littler, though he will remain in first place at the end of the night unless either Jonny Clayton wins the final, or Gerwyn Price wins or finishes runner-up.

In a statement posted to Twitter, Van Gerwen wrote: "Sorry Glasgow. Unfortunately I had to withdraw from the Premier League tonight. Appreciate all the support."

Image: Twitter/@MvG180

The PDC have confirmed that no replacement will be 'called up' to replace Littler, who will face the winner of the opening round match between Clayton and Price in the semi-finals.

That rules out the return of the 'challenger' format, where non-qualified players were given a one-night-only opportunity to compete in the Premier League.

That particular format was introduced after Gary Anderson withdrew from the 2019 edition with a back injury, and was kept in 2020 before being discontinued.

Given that night three of this year's Premier League is being placed in Glasgow, fans want home hero Anderson to be invited to face Littler on Thursday night.

One fan demanded: "Gary Anderson now."

A second said: "Get Anderson in for a one-night special."

A third wrote: "Please get Ando in for the night."

While a fourth questioned: "Surely you should be giving Gary Anderson a call to step in as a one-off?"

Gary Anderson pictured (Image: Getty)

There was a tongue-in-cheek element to many of the comments, given that Anderson lives in Somerset and has repeatedly turned down invites to take part in the Premier League.

Anderson has cited the travelling involved as the main reason why he does not want to play in the event any more, albeit he would only be entering on a one-off basis if there was a possibility for him to take on Littler.

As it is, the reigning world champion will gain a valuable point in the standings without even having to play.

Littler lost to Gian van Veen on the opening night earlier this month, before a 6-4 defeat to Van Gerwen in the semi-finals last month.

Given he will also receive a +6 leg difference, the 19-year-old will immediately overtake Van Veen into fourth place in the standings before the action gets underway in Glasgow.