The dartboards are set, the crowds are buzzing, and the Premier League Darts season is charging toward its climax. This Thursday, Birmingham’s Utilita Arena will host a thrilling opening match as local hero Stephen Bunting faces off against teenage sensation Luke Littler. The matchup carries extra spice, not just for the darts but for the football rivalries that simmer beneath the surface. Bunting, a proud Liverpool supporter, has promised to keep his banter light with Littler, a die-hard Manchester United fan, especially after Liverpool’s recent Premier League football triumph.
Bunting, known as “The Bullet,” is no stranger to the passionate atmosphere of Premier League Darts. At 40, he’s a seasoned competitor with a loyal following, particularly in his home city of Liverpool, where he’s celebrated as a local icon. His opponent, 18-year-old Luke Littler, has taken the darts world by storm. Nicknamed “The Nuke,” Littler became the youngest world champion ever at the World Darts Championship in January, earning adulation from fans—including a serenade at Manchester United’s Old Trafford. Yet, his outspoken support for United and his history of teasing rival fans, particularly Liverpool’s, have made him a polarizing figure in certain arenas.
The Birmingham clash marks the opening game of Night 13, and Bunting is approaching it with a mix of caution and humor. “I won’t wind him up too much about Liverpool winning the league,” Bunting said with a grin, “as I’m playing him first game!” His restraint is tactical—Littler’s on-stage intensity is legendary, and Bunting knows better than to stoke the fire before the darts start flying. The Liverpool-Manchester United rivalry is one of football’s fiercest, and it often spills into darts, where fans bring their club loyalties to the oche. Bunting, aware of Littler’s fiery competitive streak, plans to save any playful jabs for after the match, when the dust has settled.
This isn’t the first time the two have crossed paths. Their encounters have been electric, with Littler delivering a ruthless 6-0 whitewash over Bunting in Newcastle earlier this season, a match that lasted just ten minutes. Bunting, however, turned the tables in Rotterdam, edging out Littler in a thrilling 6-5 semi-final. That victory was a high point for Bunting, who has endured a rollercoaster season. After a winless start in the first eight weeks, he roared to life with a nightly win in Berlin, defeating Gerwyn Price in a dramatic final. Now, with the playoffs looming, Bunting is fighting to climb from the bottom of the table and secure a spot at London’s O2 Arena on May 29.
Littler, meanwhile, remains the man to beat. Despite a recent defeat in Liverpool—where he was booed relentlessly by the Merseyside crowd for his United allegiance—he tops the Premier League table. His quarter-final loss to Michael van Gerwen last week, where he squandered a 4-0 lead, was a rare stumble. Yet, Littler’s resilience is unmatched. “One of the best nights on the Premier League calendar,” he posted on social media before that Liverpool match, embracing the hostile atmosphere. His confidence, paired with his pinpoint accuracy, makes him a formidable opponent, even for a veteran like Bunting.
The Birmingham crowd will likely amplify the drama. Darts fans are known for their raucous energy, and with Liverpool’s recent football title—matching Manchester United’s 20 top-flight crowns—the taunts and chants could reach fever pitch. Bunting, who thrives on home support, hopes to channel the energy into his performance. “When I get up on that stage, I’ll sing as loud as I can to the crowd,” he said earlier this season, referencing his walk-on anthem, “Titanium.” For Littler, the challenge is to block out the noise and focus on his game, a skill he’s honed through countless high-pressure matches.
As the Premier League Darts season nears its playoff crescendo, this opening clash in Birmingham is more than just a game—it’s a collision of personalities, loyalties, and ambitions. Bunting, the wily veteran, aims to upset the young prodigy and keep his playoff hopes alive. Littler, the fearless champion, seeks to cement his dominance and silence any doubters. With darts in hand and football passions in the air, Thursday’s showdown promises to be an unmissable spectacle.
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