Michael van Gerwen vs Arno Merk Prediction & Betting Tips - World Darts Championship
PDC World Darts Championship - World Darts Championship
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Devesh Jaganath | in PDC World Darts Championship Predictions
Sunday’s final Round 3 match at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship will see Michael van Gerwen taking on Arno Merk. The winner of this match between Mighty Mike and Merk will meet either Gary Anderson or Jermaine Wattimena in the fourth round. Let’s get into the match prediction.
Three-time world champion and last year’s runner-up Michael van Gerwen got up and running at the 2026 World Championships with a 3-1 victory over Mitsuhiko Tatsunami in round one.
Thereafter, MVG defeated William O’Connor by the same scoreline in round two, where he averaged an excellent 100.20, converted 10/16 checkout attempts and recorded highest checkout of 127.
Van Gerwen has now won seven of his last 10 matches across all competitions. This is the first time he will face Merk in a competitive match.
Meanwhile, Arno Merk is living the dream at the Ally Pally, into the third round on debut at the competition. He kicked off his campaign with a solid 3-1 victory over Kim Huybrechts.
Merk then produced one of the upsets of the tournament by defeating Peter Wright 3-0 in R2. He averaged a handy 92.17, made 9/19 checkout attempts, and recorded a highest checkout of 122.
The German is starting to live up to the hype he enjoyed before his five-year absence. This would be his biggest win by far if he defeats MVG.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Michael van Gerwen - Arno Merk Key Points
- Michael van Gerwen is ranked 160 places above Merk in the PDC Order of Merit.
- Michael van Gerwen is a three-time world champion and reached the final last year.
- Michael van Gerwen averaged 100.20 in the second round of this competition.
- Michael van Gerwen has won seven of his last 10 matches across all competitions.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Our Michael van Gerwen vs Arno Merk Prediction
Regardless of the outcome in this match, Arno Merk has already shown why he was one of the brightest prospects in the world of darts before he decided to take what turned out to be a five-year break from the sport.
However, during his time away, Michael van Gerwen racked up three world titles and was the runner-up last year. With several seeds already eliminated, MVG is now one of our favourites to lift the Sid Waddell trophy this year. Our Michael van Gerwen vs Arno Merk prediction is Michael van Gerwen -1.5.
Use £/€50 free bets for the Michael van Gerwen vs. Arno Merk game!
Are you planning to bet on the upcoming match between Michael van Gerwen and Arno Merk? Why not take advantage of the free bets from Bet365? Use our promo code STYVIP1 and open your account. Bet365 offers a welcome package of €/£50 free bet credits if you bet €/£10 as a new player.
Try your luck on this year's World Darts Championship! You need to make your qualifying bet of €/£10 within 30 days of opening an account and this can be on any sport with at least one selection priced at 1.2 (1/5) or bigger.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
