Ryder Cup: Friday Foursomes predictions

After a tight morning session, Paul McGinley and Tom Watson both opted ensure their 12 players all got out onto the course by the end of Friday’s play.

Fresh from dispatching Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher, rookies Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed were surprisingly left out while McGinley stuck with the Rose/Stenson and McIlroy/Garcia combinations.

Watson also kept faith with Mickelson/Bradley and Walker/Fowler.

We take a look at the afternoon matches and give our predictions.

Jamie Donaldson and Lee Westwood v Jim Furyk and Matt Kuchar

With the conditions getting tougher, the Europeans should be slight favourites in this one. But Furyk is one of the form players and Kuchar is usually very consistent. I’m struggling to split these so will go for a halved match.

Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson v Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson

This European pair raced into an early lead this morning before comfortably seeing off Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson to secure Europe’s first point. They will be full of confidence and will have too much for the Amercian. A win for Europe.

Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia v Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler

Both these pairs were involved in tight matches this morning so may be a little weary. I don’t think Rory and Sergio hit full speed in the morning but will catch fire this afternoon to edge another close one. A win for Europe.

Graeme McDowell and Victor Dubuisson v Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley.

This is a tough ask for Europe against America’s marquee pair. It’s difficult to know whether Dubuisson will hit the ground running and if he doesn’t this could be a big win for Team USA. A win for USA.

Afternoon score prediction: Europe 2.5, USA 1.5