Rob Cross has warned Luke Littler he's feeling close to his best as the pair prepare to face off in the second Premier League night of the season.
The world champion has taken some time to get back up to full speed to start the new season.
He's yet to make the final of an event and suffered a surprise loss to Joe Cullen in the first Players Championship event of the year.
His Premier League defence also got off to the worst start last week as Michael van Gerwen got his revenge on the teenager from the World Championship final.
Luke Littler is looking for his first win of the new season
GettyLittler will be hoping to get back on track this evening in the second Premier League night of the year.
He goes up against 2018 world champion Cross, who already has two titles to his name to start the season.
He clinched the Dutch Darts Masters last month and went all the way to win the opening Players Championship event earlier this week.
The 34-year-old is feeling on top of his game and fancies his chances of upsetting the odds against Littler.
“I’ve won two titles already - I’ve never won this early in a year before,” Cross said.
“I’ve been hit and miss in the last few months, but when I do find it, I can play some special darts.
“I’m enjoying myself at the minute, and when I’m on my game, I love it. I love the game.
“I’m looking forward to the game against Luke. I believe I can beat anyone on my day, but we all know that young man is a special talent.”
Littler has won eight of his 10 matches against Cross with their most recent encounter being at the Players Championship Finals in November.
Rob Cross feels he's close to his best
GettyThe teenager currently sits outside the top four in the Premier League after failing to pick up a point on the opening night.
Luke Humphries currently sits top after he defeated Chris Dobey to clinch the first Premier League night win.
But the world No 1 isn't resting on his laurels and is wary of everybody in this year's Premier League.
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Rob Cross is looking to upset the odds against Luke Littler
Sky Sports“I really do think this is the strongest Premier League line-up for a very long time,” Humphries said.
“I have to capitalise on the win last week and make sure I keep pushing and keep striving for better, because this is going to be a really tough season in my opinion.
“When you’re winning all the time you have so much belief and so much confidence, but you cannot take it for granted.
“All it takes is a couple of defeats and the confidence can drain from you, so this is a really good moment for myself, but I have to back it up.”
