Luke Humphries is the 3/1 favourite on betting apps to win the World Matchplay, but there are several reasons why he can be opposed.
He has won just one title since beating Luke Littler to become world champion and is not quite hitting his usual levels.
Masters champion Stephen Bunting is a potential second round opponent, while in-form Jonny Clayton could be waiting in the quarter-finals.
Clayton finished runner-up last year after we tipped him as the standout each-way bet and his odds of 40/1 could tempt punters looking for value this year.
Fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price is in the same half of the draw, but he will need to improve on the form he has shown this season.
With Aspinall, Josh Rock and Ross Smith also in the top section of the draw, Humpries makes limited appeal as betting proposition.
By contrast, Littler’s odds of 4/1 could be a steal if he can safely navigate his way past Michael van Gerwen in the first round.
Littler has been in fine form since bursting onto the scene and he should make a deep run if he sees off the Dutchman in his opening match.
Michael Smith's first-round clash with Gary Anderson is another eye-catching game in the bottom half of the draw.
Smith does not have a great record in this tournament and could be vulnerable against a player who will have plenty of support at the Winter Gardens.
