After much anticipation and hype, Luke Littler is set to return to the Ally Pally stage. However, this time around, things are different. Now a household name, expectations are soaring for the 17-year-old darts sensation, a year after his breakthrough.

Littler will begin his World Darts Championship campaign against Ryan Meikle, having received a bye into the second round. The young star, who recently won the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year award, has his sights set on one particular prize this Christmas - the Sid Waddell Trophy.

After narrowly missing out in last year's final against Luke Humphries, The Nuke is hoping that this will be his year as he continues to make his mark as a leading figure in the sport. Here's everything you need to know ahead of his opening match tonight (December 21).

When is Luke Littler playing?

Littler's match is slated as the third game in the evening session of today's second-round matches. Earlier in the session, fans can catch the legendary Raymond van Barneveld in action against Nick Kenny, while Damon Heta vs Connor Scutt is the headline act of the night.

Littler is expected to take to the stage at 9:10pm. However, if earlier matches run over, the start time may be delayed.

Who is Luke Littler playing?

Littler's opponent, Meikle, has already defeated one big name in Fallon Sherrock. The 28-year-old triumphed over 'The Queen of the Palace' 3-2 on Tuesday.

Ipswich-born Meikle, also known as 'The Barber' due to his part-time job, is making his fifth World Championship appearance, having never advanced beyond the second round before.

What channel is the World Darts Championship on?

To catch Littler in action, you'll need a Sky Sports subscription, with the event being aired on their Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Darts channels.

How can I stream the World Darts Championship?

If you prefer streaming or don't want to commit to a long-term subscription, NOW TV offers a Sky Sports pass that allows you to stream the match for £34.99 per month. Sky customers can also watch via the Sky Go app.

What are the odds on Luke Littler winning the World Darts Championship?

As for the odds, bookmakers have pegged 'The Nuke' as the favourite to win the tournament, with odds of around 2/1 on most sites.

He's followed by Humphries (3/1), Gary Anderson (8/1) and Michael van Gerwen (10/1). It's no surprise then that Littler is a short 1/25 to beat Meikle, who would cause one of the biggest upsets in darts history if he manages to defeat his superstar opponent. You can back the underdog at roughly 9/1.

What has Luke Littler said ahead of the World Championships?

Ahead of the World Championships, Littler has remained grounded, handling the weight of expectation with ease. The teenager plans to take a pragmatic approach and hopes to grow into the tournament, just as he did last year.

He maintained his steely focus in an interview with Sky Sports, stating: "You've always got to be on your A-game, but obviously as the game goes on, you know that if they're playing well, you've got to step up and compete against them.

"We'll just see how it goes. Obviously, you can only beat what's in front of you, so you've just got to look at your next opponent in the Worlds.

"It will be one game before the Christmas break, so I'll be fully focused for that, have Christmas off, and then we'll travel back down - hopefully for another long December and start of January in London."

What has Ryan Meikle said about facing Luke Littler?

After his triumph over Sherrock in the first round, Ryan Meikle revealed how he would be preparing for Littler - but it might not be what you expect.

"I'm actually going home tomorrow and working for two days," he said. "I'll head back up on Friday afternoon and try to keep my mind off it, not putting too much pressure on myself, and just get ready for Saturday. I'm excited and I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm not going to say I'm going to win, he's unbelievable, but I've got a chance. I love coming here; it gives me goosebumps every time I come.

"I can turn up on Saturday, and there will be no pressure on me. I'm sure there will be a lot of pressure on him. I can hopefully relax and play my best game."