Ryder Cup 2018 four ball and foursomes: Match predictions, pairings, tee times and format

SunSport golf correspondent David Facey has taken a look at the match-ups to see how the teams match up.

Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau  v Justin Rose and Jon Rahm

The Rose-Rahm link-up is a surprise, but the Englishman is the most consistent player in the game at the moment, while his Spanish partner is aggressive, passionate, and a superstar of the future.

They look a far better balanced unit than bombers Koepka and Finau. They will not be able to overpower the Ryder Cup course, and could get snarled up in the French rough.

 Prediction: Europe win.

 Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen

McIlroy and Olesen played together at the Irish Open – and if the straight-hitting former world No1 had the Dane’s putting touch he would have been unbeatable.

And vice versa for Olesen, whose touch on the greens compensated for his erratic tee shots.

They should make plenty of birdies, but could also be prone to mistakes. Johnson and Fowler look a better mix of brawn and guile, and will be tough to beat.

 Prediction: USA win.

 Jordan Spieth &Justin Thomas v Paul Casey and Tyrell Hatton

The Casey-Hatton combo is not unexpected, but it seemed a better fit for the foursomes – Bjorn played them in that format in the EurAsia Cup at the start of the years and the dovetailed nicely to deliver a point.

Spieth has not putted like God for a while, but he still makes his share, and Thomas is Mr Reliable.

They will lean on each and gee each other up in equal measure, and should end up sharing a victory hug.

Prediction: USA win.

 Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood

The match everyone will want to watch, with a fascinating contrast in styles.

Molinari and Fleetwood are total flat-liners while the Americans wear their hearts on their chests – Woods with his trademark uppercut celebration and Reed’s chest-thumping

The outcome could depend on whether we see the Fleetwood who won here two years ago, or the one who has missed four cuts at Le National. If he is at his best, Europe could finish this one all square.

 Prediction: Halved.

 Projected score: Europe 1 ½, USA 2 ½.

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