World Matchplay Day 4 Preview: Littler and Aspinall Set to Shine in Thrilling Last 16 Clash

The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay shifts into second-gear tonight at the Winter Gardens, as the top half of the draw collides in a mouthwatering Tuesday evening session in Blackpool.

With the format increasing to the best of 21 legs, the room for error shrinks even further as eight First Round victors battle for a spot in the quarter-finals. From reigning World Matchplay champion Luke Littler locking horns with Nathan Aspinall to a blockbuster clash between Gary Anderson and Jonny Clayton, Day 4 promises pure drama in the Empress Ballroom.

Here is our full breakdown, analysis, and preview of all four Second Round ties taking place tonight.

Jonny Clayton vs. Gary Anderson

Opening Tuesday night is a battle of former major winners as 2021 finalist Jonny Clayton collides with 2018 World Matchplay champion Gary Anderson.

Jonny Clayton showed excellent resolve in his opening tie, overcoming a spirited Damon Heta 10-7. ‘The Ferret’ hit crucial cover-trebles and timed his doubles to perfection to keep the Australian at bay throughout the second half of the match.

Gary Anderson was utterly ruthless in his First Round match, dismantling Ryan Joyce 10-2. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ looked fluid, quick, and dangerous, barely giving Joyce a look-in as he raced across the finish line in dominant fashion.

Anderson looks in sublime form on the Winter Gardens stage, but Clayton’s clinical combination finishing makes him a dangerous opponent over a longer distance. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair to kick off Day 4.

Michael van Gerwen vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode

An all-Dutch battle takes center stage next as three-time champion Michael van Gerwen clashes with the explosive Dirk van Duijvenbode.

Van Gerwen safely navigated a potentially tricky opener against Andrew Gilding with a professional 10-6 victory. While ‘MvG’ wasn’t at his absolute blistering best, his ability to punish Gilding’s missed opportunities highlighted his trademark big-stage edge.

Dirk van Duijvenbode comes into Tuesday flying high off the back of a dramatic 13-11 overtime triumph against Chris Dobey. ‘The Aubergenius’ threw heavy scoring visits at crucial moments to outlast Dobey in one of the games of the tournament so far.

Van Duijvenbode possesses the firepower to push Van Gerwen to the absolute limit if his maximums land consistently. However, MVG rarely drops his guard on the Blackpool stage. If Van Gerwen grabs an early lead, his front-running style could prove insurmountable over 21 legs.

Luke Littler vs. Nathan Aspinall

The marquee tie of the night sees reigning champion Luke Littler continue his title defense against 2023 World Matchplay king Nathan Aspinall.

Littler put on a sensational display in Round One, firing in a staggering 109.53 three-dart average to defeat German debutant Niko Springer 10-6. The world number one looked virtually unstoppable in full flow, reminding the Blackpool crowd why he remains the man to beat.

He won’t have it all his own way tonight, as Nathan Aspinall looked equally formidable in his opener. ‘The Asp’ averaged over 105 in an emphatic 10-5 win over Joe Cullen, showing pristine finishing and high intensity from the very first dart.

This has all the ingredients for a classic. Both players produced elite performances in the First Round. Aspinall has the big-stage grit to rattle anyone, but if Littler maintains his blistering scoring rate, he holds the slight edge to march into the quarter-finals.

Josh Rock vs. Stephen Bunting

Closing the evening is a fascinating duel between two of the form players from Saturday’s opening session.

Josh Rock made light work of Luke Woodhouse in his opener, cruising to a comfortable 10-4 win. While ‘Rocky’ wasn’t required to hit top gear, his scoring power and cool composure around the doubles ensured a hassle-free passage into the Last 16.

Stephen Bunting, on the other hand, had to endure a grueling, high-stakes epic against Niels Zonneveld. ‘The Bullet’ was pushed all the way to overtime, eventually keeping his nerves intact to prevail 13-12 in a dramatic sudden-death decider. Bunting showed incredible heart to survive, but the key question tonight is how much energy that marathon tie took out of him.

If Bunting recovers well, his heavy scoring will test Rock. However, Rock enters fresher and with fewer miles in the tank over the longer format. Expect a close contest that could go late into extra legs.

World Matchplay Day 4 Fixtures (Tuesday, July 21)

Josh Rock vs. Stephen Bunting (Best of 21 legs)

Michael van Gerwen vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode (Best of 21 legs)

Luke Littler vs. Nathan Aspinall (Best of 21 legs)

Jonny Clayton vs. Gary Anderson (Best of 21 legs)

(Matches commence from 19:00 BST at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool)

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