Find out who will win the opening matches

Half the fun of the Ryder Cup is trying to predict who will win which matches, so that’s exactly what we’ve done here. Golf World’s Jock Howard and Chris Jones analyse the pairings, their strengths and weaknesses, and offer an opinion on each result:

FRIDAY MORNING FOURBALLS

Westwood/Kaymer v Mickelson/Johnson
Pick of the draw; the world No2 and 3 against the man who did and the man who could have won the US PGA. All four hit it a country mile, but the Euros have the edge on accuracy off the tee. If the Americans can ham and egg it, the Euros will face a tough match; expect to see lots of irons and hybrids off the tee by the US boys because this rough is no place to be, even if you are going in with two clubs less than your opponent. The Americans epitomise risk/reward play… great if it’s going well, but potentially disastrous if they’re not striking it pure.
Score: European win

McIlroy/McDowell v Cink/Kuchar
A slam dunk point for Europe, surely? The two Irishmen are riding high on a wave of confidence, and they’re great friends who could have won the World Cup together last year. When they announce their names on the first tee, we can’t see the Euros being worried in the slightest about the Cink and Kuchar pairing. The Americans are both steady, hitting fairways and greens, but McDowell won the Welsh Open here going low over the weekend and McIlroy… well, he’s in his element.
Score: European win

Poulter/Fisher v Stricker/Woods
Finally, on the greatest stage, Poulter and Woods go head-to-head. The World Matchplay Champion, versus the world No.1. Poulter isn’t lacking in confidence, but bravado can only go so far when you’re staring Tiger Woods in the face. Fisher is a Ryder rookie, so that’s some baptism of fire. Woods has a point to prove, Stricker is Mr Steady. The Euros are going to have to play their socks off to take this one down the 18th. 
Score: A halved match

Harrington/Donald v Watson/Overton
Another point to Europe? Come on! The triple major winner and Mr Fairways and Greens, versus the rookie double act who were already a bag of nerves in the practice rounds! Harrington has found something this week, while Donald is coming off the back of a second place in the Tour championship. Watson and Overton could find this one over soon into the back nine.
Score: European win