Fresh off the back of yet another final against Luke Littler, Humphries renews his rivalry with the youngster during the 16-week campaign.
But the world number two, who walks out to Leeds natives The Kaiser Chiefs, made a surprising claim about the other sporting Premier League as he prepared to kick-start his title defence in Newcastle.
Cool Hand praised Newcastle and Sunderland fans who he said would both be out in force at the Utilita Arena on Thursday night as the Premier League Darts begins, but had a special word to say about his team's rivals for promotion last season, The Black Cats.
"I think Sunderland's recruitment has been absolutely incredible, that's part and parcel of why they are where they are in the league.
"I've seen it on transfer deadline day, one goes then 'bang' they get one straight back in, no messing around.
"That's the only part that's hard as a Leeds fan, because we're crying out for certain players in certain positions and nothing's being done and that's frustrating for us fans.
"I'm disappointed as a Leeds fan not to have added a few extra players, but what can you do?"
Luke Humphries said he was impressed with Sunderland's transfers. (Image: Owen Humphreys)
Sat in a media briefing in St James' Park, the irony was not lost on Humphries who watched his side lose an instant classic to Newcastle, which he may be worried about haunting him as he steps up to the oche on Thursday.
Members of Eddie Howe's squad have been in the crowd at the darts in recent years and Humphries is good friends with Kieran Trippier.
"Harvey Barnes I don't want to see," Humprhies joked.
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"Because his knee slide is still on that pitch I think from that 4-3 win.
"But it's always good for any top sportsman to come and support us and give a bit more limelight on the sport because it's growing amazingly."
Humphries plays Gerwyn Price in his first game of the Premier League season.