OUR PUNDITS GIVE THEIR RYDER CUP VERDICTS

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD

RORY McILROY has to be the lightning rod for Europe, like an Ian Poulter or Seve. He is a brilliant team golfer and back in form. Darren Clarke is a popular captain and the guys will dig deep for him. Look out for Dustin Johnson, a wonderful player in his pomp. VERDICT: EUROPE BY 0.5pts

JAMIE REDKNAPP

TWO weeks ago I thought there was no chance for Europe, but given McIlroy and Pieters’ form we have a chance. Yes, there are plenty of rookies in our team — it’ll be sink or swim for them — but I’ve seen Pieters play at my local club and he doesn’t look like a rookie to me! VERDICT: EUROPE WIN

MARTIN KEOWN

I WAS confident in Europe until Danny Willett’s brother came out with those comments about the American fans! I think he will have fuelled the fire inside Team USA and given them an extra boost. VERDICT: USA WIN

CHRIS SUTTON

IT’S time USA turned up, and I think the chance to honour Arnold Palmer’s memory with a victory will see them prevail. Europe will rely on the experience of McIlroy, Rose and Kaymer, but I can see it being a bridge too far for the rookies. VERDICT: USA WIN

NASSER HUSSAIN

IT’S going to be nail-biting stuff again. I’m backing Europe to be to the fore in everything that needs teamwork, like the fourballs and the foursomes, and build up a good lead. But the US will be very good when it comes down to the singles. VERDICT: EUROPE — JUST

DAVID LLOYD

IT’S the Americans’ home course, with home support. Everything points to them winning it. Europe have an inexperienced team. Not only that but our boys must put up with eating mashed potato! They might have to cope only on their meat and two veg….. VERDICT: USA WIN