v

Match 2 (1.35pm)

Strengths: Consistency . . . . consistency . . . . consistency.

Weaknesses: Zach’s been a little off the boil in recent times.

X Factor: Is Dufner the coolest, most laid-back guy in the game right now?

Verdict: Halved match

Strengths: Snedeker’s in a hot streak, capped off by his $10 million windfall in the FedEx Cup and playing with a Ryder Cup veteran as good as anyone tee to green.

Weaknesses: Furyk’s putting under pressure.

X Factor: Snedeker’s hairstyle . . . . and his speed of play.

Verdict: Europe

I Poulter J Rose

Match 1 (1.20pm)

L Donald S Garcia

T Woods S Stricker

v

Strengths: Tiger is back in a big way – and looking to bring his A-game to the Ryder Cup. The two players have a terrific understanding and mutual respect.

Weaknesses: Stricker’s had his B-game in recent times. Needs to up the ante.

X Factor: Tiger is Tiger is Tiger . . . .

Verdict: USA

Match 3 (1.50pm)

Strengths: Perfectly suited in game and confidence, with Rose’s return to form a bonus to go with Poulter’s undoubted passion.

Weaknesses: Rose’s putting can desert him under pressure.

X Factor: No tartan trousers but you’ve got to love Poulter’s strut. Don’t you?

Strengths: Two peas in a pod. Know each other’s games intimately, having forged a great friendship. Past partners in the Ryder Cup.

Weaknesses: McDowell complained of lethargy after the US PGA.

X Factor: What other factor has a world number one? McIlroy’s the man, G-Mac’s not one for standing in the shadows.

G McDowell R McIlroy

v

Strengths: The vet and the new kid on the block, Mickelson and Bradley have shown great chemistry in the practice rounds. Games match up well. Both long off the tee and good iron players.

Weaknesses: They’re both prone to the occasional wild drive.

X Factor: Lefty still has it!

Verdict: Halved match.

Strengths: Two terrific ball-strikers with a fantastic record on their previous match-ups where they won four from four in foursomes.

Weaknesses: None when you combine Garcia’s ball-striking with Cool Hand Luke’s short game.

X Factor: Every European team needs some Spanish passion.

v

L Westwood F Molinari

Match 4 (2.05pm)

J Furyk B Snedeker

P Mickelson K Bradley

Strengths: Two of the straightest drivers in the game, they’l l be playing from the middle of the fairways.

Weaknesses: Molinari is a wee bit on the short side with his drives. Could be a factor on the Par fives.

X Factor: About time we had an Anglo-Italian liason.

Z Johnson J Dufner