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EUROPE

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Eight automatic qualifiers: Francesco Molinari, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Alex Noren, Thorbjorn Olesen. WILDCARD CONTENDERS

Captain Thomas Bjorn will announce his four picks at 2pm on Wednesday.

IAN POULTER

For: Love for the Ryder Cup and his stirring return to the big time this year. Against: Now 42 and didn’t play well on his last outing at Gleneagles in 2014. Verdict: Should be Bjorn’s No 1 selection.

PAUL CASEY

For: Sixteenth in the world and relishing the chance to play the role of elder statesman. Against: A decade since his last Ryder Cup. Is the nerve still intact?. Verdict: Bjorn’s a fan, likely to get the nod.

HENRIK STENSON

For: Great partnershi­p with Justin Rose and a wise head to help the rookies. Against: Is he fit enough after struggling all summer with a nagging elbow injury? Verdict: A certain pick, provided there are no health issues.

SERGIO GARCIA

For: Unquestion­ably one of the great Ryder Cup players of all time and only 38. Against: Out of form and made no attempt to impress Bjorn by playing in Denmark. Verdict: Unthinkabl­e up to two months ago but Sergio ought to sit this one out.

RAFA CABRERA-BELLO

For: Great on his debut at Hazeltine in 2016 and playing well. Against: Never been in contention for a big prize this summer. Verdict: Favourite for the fourth pick ahead of fellow Spaniard Garcia.

MATT WALLACE

For: Four wins in 12 months, including an extraordin­ary one in Denmark yesterday. Against: Five rookies in the team already. Verdict: The nerve of a born winner and has made a compelling case for final pick.

THOMAS PIETERS

For: Looking close to his best and his best blitzed the Yanks last time. Against: Desperatel­y poor until July, which is likely to cost him. Verdict: If only he’d been playing well for a longer period.

MATT FITZPATRIC­K

For: Gutsy effort at the death and the sort of short game that wins Ryder Cups. Against: Didn’t do enough in the big events over the summer. Verdict: Not this time but will definitely be back for future editions.

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