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LAURA WOODS: LITTLER READY TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION

PDC WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

Luke Littler is the favourite with BetMGM and I can understand why.

He’s fearless and he’s started to win and win big – he’s won 10 titles this year, including the BetMGM Premier League of course, and over a million pounds in prize money.

For a debut season, and at the age of 17, that is quite something.

I remember the other players being vocal about the media not sensationalising Littler too early when he was on his run to the final this time last year. And I agreed.

But that makes his achievements even more impressive for me, he’s dealt with the scrutiny, attention and increasing demands outside of his sport so well. I think he’s more than ready to take the title at Ally Pally now and become world champion.

Luke Humphries has been equally impressive and only edges Littler slightly in earnings. Their rivalry is exciting but it’s also very respectful and I think that speaks volumes about both their characters.

I hope it’s one for the ages and, if I’m honest, I would love to see either win.

SEVERAL PROBLEMS COSTING MANCHESTER CITY DEAR

Manchester City are racking up the injuries with Oscar Bobb, John Stones, Nathan Ake,Manuel Akanji and, of course, Rodri all out.

But I also think this is a big confidence issue for Man City. Juventus handed them their seventh loss in 10 games, a number which would have been unfathomable just a couple of months ago. They’re also leaking goals, which is very unlike them.

Pep Guardiola seems perplexed. Everything he is trying is not working. I don’t think City know how to lose. It’s so unfamiliar to them that they don’t have the mental tools to dig themselves out of this hole right now.

And the biggest issue staring them in the face is the very realistic threat that they might finish the season without a trophy. They will most likely head into the play-offs of the Champions League but they’ve got a tough fixture against PSG in the New Year, who also desperately need a win.

Teams aren’t afraid of City anymore. They’ve spotted their fragility and figured out how to rattle them. They need to reinvent themselves once again.

THOSE ROMERO COMMENTS

Cristian Romero was obviously not in the best headspace when he made those recent comments about the Tottenham board.

It’s never wise to criticise publicly like that, it never goes down well. But he limped off in a game where Spurs conceded a two-goal lead, so you can understand his frustration. I think he wants to protect the manager too.

Romero referenced the clubs around them who continue to strengthen and grow and he wants it known that Spurs need to catch up in order to not get left behind.

You can have the best stadium in the world but if you’re not challenging for trophies the fans are going to get restless. And the players too – as his comments show.

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