Luke Littler is chasing another major title, and the next obstacle standing in his way is a familiar rival who will have to produce something special to stop him. Nathan Aspinall awaits the teenage sensation in the last 16 of the 2026 European Darts Championship in Dortmund, Germany, on Saturday, October 24.
For Littler, this is about more than simply winning another match. The European Championship is one of the few major titles still missing from his collection, and the opportunity to put that right makes this tournament particularly important. The question is whether Aspinall can disrupt his ambitions or whether the world number one will take another confident step towards glory.
When Does Luke Littler Play Nathan Aspinall?
Littler is scheduled to face Aspinall during Saturday evening’s session, which begins at 6 p.m. UK time (BST). That is 6 p.m. in Nigeria (WAT) as well.
However, darts matches do not have fixed individual start times when several games share a session. The earlier matches must finish first, so fans should expect Littler’s appearance later in the evening rather than precisely at 6 p.m.
The match will be played over the best of 19 legs, meaning the first player to reach 10 legs will advance to the quarter-finals. UK viewers can follow the tournament through ITV4 and ITVX.
That format matters. There is more room for a comeback than in a short match, but there is also less room to hide if a player struggles with scoring or doubles. Littler will need to maintain his concentration throughout.
Littler Has Already Sent a Warning to His Rivals
Littler began his European Championship campaign with a 6-3 victory over William O’Connor on Friday night. He recorded a 105.05 average and hit six maximum 180s, giving his title challenge an encouraging start.
Those numbers should interest every player still standing in the competition. Littler does not need to be at his absolute best in every leg to put opponents under pressure. His scoring power can quickly turn a competitive match into a desperate fight for survival for whoever is standing opposite him.
And that is what makes him so dangerous.
Some players need time to settle into a tournament. Littler can make an immediate statement, and his opening performance showed that he is taking this challenge seriously.
Of course, one good performance does not guarantee a title. But dismissing Littler’s chances because he has not yet won this particular trophy would be a mistake. His ability to produce heavy scoring and punish missed doubles makes him a threat whenever he steps onto the stage.
Why Nathan Aspinall Is a Dangerous Opponent
Aspinall is not someone Littler can afford to underestimate.
The Englishman secured his place in the second round by beating Cristo Reyes 6-3. He recovered from a difficult position by winning four consecutive legs, producing finishes of 134, 112 and 90 along the way.
That comeback demonstrates exactly why Aspinall deserves respect. He can take advantage of an opponent’s mistakes and turn a match around when the pressure rises.
If Littler gives him too many opportunities on the doubles, Aspinall has enough quality to make him pay.
But here is where I would back Littler: his scoring ceiling gives him an advantage in the kind of contest where momentum can change within a few minutes. If he starts strongly, lands his 180s and keeps his finishing sharp, Aspinall could find himself chasing the match rather than controlling it.
That is a difficult position for any opponent.
Littler Has a Golden Opportunity to Make History
There is another reason this tournament deserves attention. The European Championship is the major title Littler is looking to add to an already extraordinary collection of achievements. His campaign is about completing another significant piece of his darts legacy.
The exit of Michael van Gerwen in the first round has also changed the picture of the tournament. Kevin Doets defeated the Dutch star 6-3, removing one of the competition’s most successful former champions from the field.
That does not mean the trophy is Littler’s to lose. There are still dangerous players in the draw, and a single poor session can end even the strongest player’s ambitions.
Nevertheless, the opportunity is there.
Littler’s supporters will reasonably believe that a player capable of producing the scoring numbers he showed against O’Connor should be confident about his chances. The key is turning that potential into consistent performances across the remaining rounds.
My Prediction: Littler to Beat Aspinall
I am backing Littler to win this contest.
Aspinall has the experience and ability to make this uncomfortable, so a straightforward victory should not be taken for granted. He has already shown that he can fight back under pressure, and Littler will need to be clinical when chances arrive.
But if I had to choose one player to deliver the bigger scoring bursts and handle the crucial moments, my money would be on Littler.
A strong start could be decisive. If he establishes control early, Aspinall may be forced to take greater risks, leaving Littler opportunities to extend his advantage.
That is the scenario I expect, although the result remains to be decided on the stage.
One thing is certain: Littler cannot afford to take this match lightly. He has a major title to chase, a dangerous opponent to overcome and a chance to move one step closer to completing his collection.
Saturday night could be another important chapter in his rise. If Littler brings his best darts to Dortmund, I believe Aspinall will have a serious fight on his hands.