World champion Luke Littler braced for boos as Premier League heads to Liverpool

By Jonathan Veal, Press Association

Luke Littler will again have to contend with the boo boys as the Premier League rolls into Liverpool.

The back-to-back world champion has been on the receiving end of the crowd’s negativity in Brighton and Rotterdam after his spat with Gian van Veen in Manchester three weeks ago.

Things will not get any easier as the staunch Manchester United fan heads to the M&S Bank Arena.

The 19-year-old has often posted social media messages about Liverpool’s footballing struggles so will be a target as he takes on Luke Humphries in the quarter-final.

Littler is second behind Jonny Clayton and a strong showing on the banks of the Mersey will tighten his grip on a play-off place, with many fans hoping they will see a rematch against Van Veen.

The pair have not met since it got frosty after their last-eight clash in Manchester, where Van Veen accused Littler of celebrating him missing a match dart.

Humphries still has work to do after a disappointing campaign, sitting three points short of a top-four spot with five weeks remaining.

Clayton, who has collected four nightly wins, including the last two, is leading the way and is virtually guaranteed a place at the O2, but is not ready to take his foot off the pedal.

The Welshman, who takes on home favourite Stephen Bunting, said: “We’re all out to win nights and get points, so two nightly wins on the trot is great – it puts a smile on my face.

“I don’t give up. I’ve been behind a few times and still came through and won.

“Twenty-nine points is a good score to be on. Hopefully it’s enough for the play-offs and I’m there.

“I’ve got five weeks left and hopefully I can win five of them.”

Elsewhere, Michael van Gerwen takes on Josh Rock, while Van Veen and Gerwyn Price will battle it out.