2025 World Matchplay Darts – Stephen Bunting vs Jonny Clayton
Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton clash in a mouth-watering World Matchplay quarter-final, with our bet suggestions being Jonny Clayton to Win (4/5), Over 27.5 Legs (8/11), and a 170 Checkout – Yes (4/1).
Stephen Bunting
Stephen Bunting has been enjoying a career-reviving 2025 season. Now ranked world number four, the former BDO world champion has added substantial silverware to his CV this year, lifting his first PDC Masters title, bagging back-to-back World Series crowns in Bahrain and Nordic events, and finally cracking the European Tour with victory at the International Darts Open.
I backed Bunting to do well in the Premier League of Darts, but that was obviously a kiss of death for the Liverpool fan as he struggled, finishing eighth in a eight player field. He has, however, managed to put that disappointment behind him.
Bunting’s game is underpinned by booming scoring, smooth tempo, and an ability to rattle off purple patches of relentless scoring, he has hit a three-dart average as high as 117.12 this year. In Blackpool, Bunting held his nerve as Anderson threatened a comeback in their 12–10 classic, and his highest TV average of 111.33 spotlights just how dangerous he’ll be when firing.
However, he has found Clayton a persistent hurdle in majors, and his success still hinges on maintaining sharp finishing in the tense latter stages.
Jonny Clayton
Jonny Clayton has reasserted himself among the elite, currently standing at world number five and boasting £2.78 million in career earnings. His 2025 season has been a return to consistency – highlighted by a European Tour triumph and deep TV runs at the UK Open and World Masters (where he produced a sublime 112.77 televised average).
Clayton’s tour stats make for formidable reading: a 69% season win rate, 1,842 FDI rating, and three televised nine-darters. In Blackpool, he was all composure in dispatching Mike De Decker 11–8, underlining his status as one of the tour’s most reliable big-stage operators.
Known for his deadly accuracy on the outer ring and steely head under pressure, “The Ferret” has a proven track record of producing when it matters, with four major TV titles and a Premier League crown.
His remarkable 11–7 head-to-head record over Bunting (a 61% win rate) shows just how regularly he’s managed to crack this particular code.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The rivalry undeniably tilts Clayton’s way. In their 18 previous meetings, Clayton has triumphed 11 times to Bunting’s 7, with every match played at a high standard. Importantly, Clayton’s consistency in both averages and finishes has allowed him to pull away in decisive legs, especially in events that go long format. This mental and tactical edge is hard to ignore, making him a favourite for this Blackpool rematch.
Recent Tournament Matches
Bunting was forced to dig exceptionally deep in his 12–10 overtime battle against Gary Anderson, at one point missing double 12 for a nine-darter and taking five straight legs with some inspired play. Prior to that, he held off Ryan Joyce 10–8, again showcasing quality under pressure.
Clayton’s path included a convincing 10–7 win over Martin Schindler, who I considered a dark horse to do well, and a composed display to see off De Decker, hitting the vital doubles when it counted most. Both men have shown the ability to ride through swings in momentum, both have averaged in the mid-90s across their matches, and both carry major-winning pedigree into this showdown.
Betting Selections Analysis
Jonny Clayton – Match Winner (4/5)
Clayton’s weighting as favourite holds firm thanks to his relentless H2H superiority, a sharper seasonal win percentage, and his proven nerve under TV spotlight. He’s already bagged a major in 2025 and shown a knack for pulling through even when the pressure is greatest – I expect him to edge the dramatic moments here again.
Over 27.5 Legs (8/11)
The quarter-final format is best of 31 legs — translate that, and you’re backing the contest to go at least 28 legs (minimum 16–12 or closer). Both players specialise in close, momentum-shifting battles: Bunting’s last match went to 22 legs with Anderson, and Clayton has shown resilience in matches that drag into extras. Neither tends to lose heavily at this stage, so a high leg count appeals strongly.
170 Checkout – Yes (4/1)
With both players in red-hot scoring form and regularly leaving themselves on finishes above 150, the 170 checkout comes firmly into play, especially in a long, high-quality contest. Clayton, with his clinical outer ring and Bunting’s confidence and history of clutch combinations, both have the pedigree to take out the “Big Fish” if left.
Given the likely number of legs, one moment of finishing brilliance could well land this value leg of the treble.
Conclusion and Summary
All eyes are on a classic Blackpool quarter-final with both players in peak form and proven over long formats. The edge in head-to-heads, seasonal record, and TV-stage composure lies with Clayton, but Bunting’s offensive firepower makes Over 27.5 Legs feel like a banker.
The 170 Checkout adds marquee value in a contest teeming with world-class finishing.
For those looking for a Bet Builder with both reason and risk, this treble is hard to ignore, especially at a potential £155.45 payout from a £10 stake.
For more insights and predictions, explore our darts predictions in our betting tips section.
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