Captain Monty - will be interesting to see if Monty can install that obvious passion he has for the Ryder Cup into his team for the matches at Celtic Manor? Not exactly known as a people person or man manager, but the Ryder Cup has always bought the best out of Monty.  If only he could have got into the same frame of mind when playing majors, he would have won a hat full! Get the pairings right Monty and Europe have got every chance in getting the Ryder Cup back, do a Faldo and we could be in trouble!

Team USA - Have to be honest a couple of months ago I did not rate their chances one bit, but looking a little closer, they really do have some quality players and cannot be underestimated!!

All dependant on Team Spirit, can Corey Pavin do what Azinger did so well last time out?  Installing a team bonding/belief that we have not seen in the American side for many years did the trick in the USA two years ago.

I really think Tiger could be the main man on Team USA this time round.  Having never seemed that bothered in previous years, I think he actually needs the Ryder Cup this time, as another stepping stone to re-building his reputation.  It will go some way in repairing his image in the USA if he's seen to be doing a shift for the team, so watch out Europe, the Tiger could take some beating!

I'm also looking forward to seeing what Rickie Fowler has to offer, young, exciting and full of confidence; he could be a major player in the team.  Not sure the team will follow his lead in the fashion stakes, can't see Tiger wearing all orange, can you?  Could have the same kind of impact as young Anthony Kim did last time out; remember what he did to Sergio?  Not sure Sergio ever got over that drubbing; hope to see him back fighting for his place next time round!

Team Europe - Solid team from top to bottom, good balance of experience and new blood and some obvious partnerships that will take some beating  I guess the initial talking point is Casey not being picked; I agree and think Harrington is a lucky boy to be included.  Not a great Ryder Cup record and way out of form, against Casey who loves matchplay, has a good Ryder Cup record and is bang on form!!  But in my opinion the guy who should be going is Justin Rose.  Again right on form, two wins in the USA (should have been three!) and most importantly a deadly partnership with Poulter last time out, so a guaranteed pairing blown!!  But I still believe with the depth in quality we have, get the pairings half right and we should have enough to see off the USA.

As you know I'm not one for sitting on the fence, so my prediction would be Europe to win by 3 points!!  Rory to finish top points scorer, full of talent, loves match play, attacks everything, not the guy you want to be drawn against on Sunday or the four balls for that matter.

I'll be down in Wales for the Friday through Sunday, can't wait as the best golf event in the world to watch live in my humble opinion, bring on the USA!!