Adrian Lewis believes that he can halt Michael van Gerwen's current run of good form providing that he starts positively in their Premier League contest in Belfast.
Van Gerwen has lost just twice in 44 matches since the start of the 2015 season, but one of those setbacks came against Lewis and the Stoke-on-Trent thrower has insisted that he can halt a run of seven televised games without a win against the Dutchman when they meet on Thursday.
The 30-year-old told Sky Sports News: "He's in top form, so I've got to come out firing from the off, but I beat him 6-1 in the final last week. You've got to score heavy and take out your chances when they arise really.
"If you let him get in a lead, then he will jump all over you. You can't afford to give him a lead. If you give him that start, it's game over."
Lewis currently sits in sixth place in the table with three points from as many games, while Van Gerwen boasts a 100% record in this year's tournament.