Stephen Bunting expects a hero's reception when he faces Premier League leader Jonny Clayton in Liverpool on Thursday night. The Scouse thrower is relishing his homecoming at the M&S Bank Arena, where he'll feed off the crowd atmosphere. Meanwhile, back-to-back world champion Luke Littler has faced recent boos following his public feud with Gian van Veen and his social media criticism of Liverpool's struggling season.

Bunting admits he cannot control how fans react. "Fans react the way they want to react. We can't do anything." The 39-year-old acknowledges there was one occasion after the World Championship where he used a word he shouldn't have and received criticism. He focuses on staying clean and avoiding controversy to keep the crowd on his side.

Bunting sits seventh in the Premier League standings, five points behind fourth-placed Michael van Gerwen who occupies the final playoff place. His Premier League campaign has mirrored his beloved Liverpool's inconsistent season, and he's been outspoken about manager Arne Slot's struggles. "All these signings come in, they just don't seem to have gelled together," Bunting said. "It's boring to watch."

Elsewhere in Liverpool, Littler begins his night against former world champion Luke Humphries, while Van Veen faces Gerwyn Price and Van Gerwen meets Josh Rock. Bunting knows from experience how hostile away crowds can be - he defeated van Gerwen in Rotterdam last year despite the Dutch crowd's backing.