The world champion recorded his first victory of the season a week ago in Dublin when he defeated Kevin Painter 8-3, and will play twice in Cardiff in the absence of Gary Anderson, who is attending his father's funeral in Scotland.

Lewis will open the night against Stoke rival Andy Hamilton before returning to the stage to play Raymond van Barneveld in the fourth match - and despite finding himself bottom of the table a week ago could amazingly go second in the table with two victories this week.

"My first thoughts go out to Gary and his family at a hard time following the loss of his father, and we'll all be thinking of him on Thursday," said Lewis.

"When I was asked to step in and play Andy, that's the least I can do and looking at the league it's down to me now to make the most of it.

"I got my first win last week and I want to kick on from that now because I'm feeling confident and think I can go from strength to strength now. Both Andy and Raymond will be tough opponents but I'll give it my best shot in both matches."

Confident

Van Barneveld currently sits second in the league table on leg difference ahead of Simon Whitlock, and travels to the sold-out event Cardiff in confident mood following three victories in his last four games.

The Dutchman said: "When I got the wildcard I was over the moon, and I said that I want to prove a few people wrong who said that I was finished.

"To be second in the league after seven games proves I can still play the game, and I'm looking forward to the next seven weeks. I'm aiming to be in the top four, and playing the final and winning this tournament would be a dream."

Australian star Whitlock plays James Wade in Cardiff on Thursday and also has eight points from the opening seven weeks.

"I know James really well but I'll approach it like every other week," said Whitlock. "I'll go up there and try and be aggressive on the board and go for the win.

"Eight points is a great total for the first half; I think you're going to need 14 to get through to the play-offs - it's been 14 I think every year I've played in it so I'm slightly in front at the minute.

"My scoring's there, I've got to hit some more doubles. Consistency is the key, to be consistent on hitting your scores and then hitting your doubles."

Attack

Unbeaten league leader Phil Taylor plays Kevin Painter at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, having hit a nine-dart finish when the pair met in Aberdeen, which the Stoke ace won in the first of six successive victories.

"I'll be attacking Kevin," said Taylor, who is five points clear on 13 points. "You've got to go out there and make your opponent work for every leg.

"I'm going to make sure I keep trying harder and keep getting better, and that's what I'm doing - and I've still got another gear!

"With another couple of wins I think I'll have qualified for the play-offs, and that's what you want to do. You want to get through to the last four and that's the aim at the moment."

The night in Cardiff, which sold out before the end of December 2011, will be preceded at 7pm by a minute's applause in memory of the late Jocky Wilson, the two-time world champion who passed away on Saturday night.