Michael van Gerwen will begin his bid to win a fourth successive Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title on Thursday against Peter Wright, as world champion Gary Anderson prepares to face Raymond van Barneveld. The first PDC World Series of Darts tournament of 2016 sees eight top stars lining up in the unique open-air setting of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on Thursday and Friday.World No 1 Van Gerwen has never been defeated in the three previous years in Dubai, winning all three events since 2013, and will start his challenge to claim a fourth successive title against Wright in a repeat of the 2014 final. The Dutchman won his second Premier League title last Thursday in London, and has already won 10 tournaments during 2016.He said: I love it in Dubai and Im really confident and playing well. Winning the Premier League helped that confidence but Ive always done well here and I hope I can keep that successful run going in this tournament.I need to concentrate on my own performance, prepare really well and I hope I can do some good damage again - but its not going to be easy because there are eight fantastic players here and you cant underestimate anyone.Peters a fantastic player whos improved himself in the last few years, so I need to make sure Im ready for the game.Wright, who followed up his appearance in the final in Dubai by finishing runner-up in the Japan Darts Masters last year, said: Its a great tournament and Im really looking forward to it. Wright lost to Van Gerwen in the 2014 final in Dubai Obviously Ive got a really hard draw against Michael, hes the man in form but when he gives me chances Ive got to take them. Its going to be very difficult but I believe I can get on top of him.Anderson, who retained the world title in London in January, will begin his tilt to claim a first World Series of Darts title against Van Barneveld.Phil Taylor comes up against James Wade in a repeat of the 2015 Perth Darts Masters final, while Adrian Lewis - last years Auckland Darts Masters champion - has drawn Dave Chisnall, who previously competed in Dubai in 2014.Following Thursdays quarter-finals, the tournament will conclude on Friday with the semi-finals and final.Quarter-Finals (best of 19 legs):Adrian Lewis v Dave ChisnallPhil Taylor v James WadeGary Anderson v Raymond van BarneveldMichael van Gerwen v Peter Wright Also See: World Cup pairs confirmed MVG wins Premier League Mardle: MVG on another level WATCH: Story of play-off night Custom Buffalo Bills Jerseys . -- Bryant McKinnie came out of his stance and lowered his shoulder into a practice squad player, causing a crisp thud to reverberate in the Miami Dolphins practice bubble. Josh Allen Bills Jersey . They reached the 100-point plateau for the fourth time in five games, bested the visiting Trail Blazers by 34 in the paint and scored 19 of the final 25 points in regulation. http://www.shoptheofficialbills.com/Elite-Tremaine-Edmunds-Bills-Jersey/ . -- Running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings were back at practice for the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday despite being hampered by hamstring injuries. Matt Milano Bills Jersey . By having more great seasons. Manning was the only unanimous choice for the 2013 Associated Press NFL All-Pro team Friday. Cody Ford Youth Jersey .J. -- Marty Brodeur beat the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again.Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to be drawn on whether he will try to lure Steven Gerrard to the club in January. The 36-year-old midfielder confirmed he is parting company with Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of his 18-month contract, which expires at the turn of the year.Gerrard, who won 114 international caps for England, worked with Rodgers for three years when the pair were at Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers gives instructions to Steven Gerrard during a Liverpool match Bookies have made Celtic favourites to sign Gerrard in the January transfer window, while Newcastle, where another former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is in charge, have also been linked with the player.While Rodgers reiterated his praise for the Anfield icon, he insists any business involving recruitment will be conducted in private by Celtic.Rodgers said: I never speculate or speak about players coming into the club. I never have done and dont intend to start now - that will always remain private. Steven Gerrard in action against Celtics Stiliyan Petrov in 2004 The only thing I would say with regards to Steven, he has been an incredible player. I had him for a number of years at Liverpool and he was absolutely brilliant with me.As a young manager going into such a great club, having the captain and real senior player there, to be able to work closely together with him and learn about the club and work together on the field was fantastic.dddddddddddd Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price He decided to go to America and Im sure he has had a good spell there. Steven will sit down now and come back and decide what he wants to do.In terms of the speculation, Im not sure where its come from. But players coming into the club will always remain private.Despite Rodgers reluctance to be drawn on Gerrards next move, former Hoops midfielder Murdo MacLeod would love to see the Champions League winner head to Celtic Park. Murdo MacLeod keen to see Gerrard join old club Celtic Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, MacLeod, who spent nine years with Celtic from 1978, said: Its an interesting one. Listening to Brendan, he is wondering where this has all come from.But he has the connection with him and obviously at some point it would be fantastic to see someone of the quality of Steven Gerrard playing for the club. Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Gerrard: Ive got options Gerrard departs LA Galaxy Where next for Gerrard? Transfer Centre ' ' '