THE world's top two players, Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld, will clash for the first time this season in Exeter tonight as the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts comes to Westpoint.

Taylor has been victorious in his last nine meetings with van Barneveld since suffering a 10-9 defeat in the 2008 UK Open and the 15-time World Champion has also won his first three games in this year's Premier League.

Van Barneveld, meanwhile, has suffered defeats to inspired displays by Adrian Lewis and Simon Whitlock since defeating James Wade on the opening night at The O2 in London. The pair share 20 World Championship titles between them.

"If he beats me it will build his confidence up," said Taylor. "The rest of the pack have caught him up and he needs to find a way to get better, and that's what he's doing.

"He will pick the right set of darts and will settle down but I don't know what's going through Raymond's mind.

"He's not doing the circuit so I think he needs a little bit more match practice to sharpen his game up — he's only having one bite at the cherry each week instead of also playing a few games at the weekend."

Another player facing a crucial night in Exeter is James Wade, the defending champion, who has lost his opening three matches this season and could find himself cut adrift at the foot of the table should he lose to Adrian Lewis.

"Last year I had a slow start, although not as bad as this, but it's up to me to turn it around," said Wade.

"I've made it hard for myself with my performances and hopefully this week I will turn up and play my best darts."

In tonight's other matches, Terry Jenkins takes on Mervyn King and Ronnie Baxter faces Australian Simon Whitlock.

Around 4,000 tickets have been sold for the event, but a limited number remain on sale at £20 and are available by calling 0844 999955 or from www.ticketzone.co.uk.

The Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts is screened live on Sky Sports .