Chris Dobey says it will be a ‘dream come true’ when he makes his debut in the Unibet Premier League at his home venue in Newcastle tonight.

The world number 35, from Bedlington, is the first of nine players, dubbed ‘Premier League Contenders’ to feature during the opening phase of this year’s competition.

Due to Gary Anderson’s withdrawal through injury at the start of the week, Dobey and eight other players, including BDO world champion Glen Durrant, Dimitri van den Bergh and Max Hopp, will each take the Scot’s place in the line-up.

“Obviously it was a massive shock when I found out I was playing, but this is a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m so excited to perform in front of my local fans,” Dobey said.

“I’ve been to the Premier League in Newcastle many times as a fan, so to now have the chance to go up there and play really is a dream come true and I’m determined to give a good account of myself.”

Dobey will face two-time TV winner Mensur Suljovic at the Utilita Arena, in Newcastle tonight. The pair’s only previous meeting in front of the cameras came in the first round of the 2017 World Series of Darts Finals, in Glasgow, which Dobey won 6-3.

This will be Dobey’s first appearance since the World Championship at the end of last year, where he enjoyed a career-best run to the last 16 and pushed Anderson to a deciding set before going out.

2019 Unibet Premier League
Night One – Thursday, February 7
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
James Wade vs. Raymond van Barneveld
Gerwyn Price vs. Daryl Gurney
Chris Dobey vs. Mensur Suljovic
Michael van Gerwen vs. Michael Smith
Peter Wright vs. Rob Cross

Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Listen to Episode 90 of the Weekly Dartscast podcast, with co-hosts Alex Moss and Burton DeWitt, for our Premier League preview and week one picks, as well as reviews of the Masters and Dutch Open via the player below