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2016 Ryder Cup: Sky Sports football pundits make their predictions

Soccer Saturday
Image: Soccer Saturday pundits make their Ryder Cup predictions

With the Ryder Cup almost upon us, we have challenged the Sky Sports football experts to predict who will star in in Minnesota.

All of the action will be live on Sky Sports' dedicated channel, with live coverage from Hazeltine National Golf Club starting at 12.30pm on channel 404.

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Here's who the Soccer Saturday pundits - partial themselves to a spot of golf - are backing to be the top points scorer...

Paul Merson

I'm going with Rory McIlroy. He's on fire and he'll play every round, which is important as there's no point backing a guy who is only going to play a couple.

My outside bet for the the USA is their Steady Eddie, Patrick Reed. I think he'll play quite a lot and is going to have a big week. 

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25:  Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the FedExCup and TOUR Championship trophies after his victory over Ryan Moore with
Image: Rory McIlroy with his FedExCup and TOUR Championship trophies

Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer are both also overpriced for me. Europe have so many rookies that the experienced players are going to play every match.

The other thing to think about is that you want your man to be going out in the first six of the final round to avoid the chances of them shaking hands. I'm expecting Europe to be trailing going into the singles, so they'll throw the big boys out first.

Also See:

MERSON PREDICTS: McIlroy to be top points scorer (6/1 with Sky Bet)

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Bet £10 on the top individual points scorer and get a free bet every time your player wins.

Charlie Nicholas

Dustin Johnson is the one to look out for. He finished a bit tired, but had a great season and is at the pinnacle of his career.

CARMEL, IN - SEPTEMBER 11:  Dustin Johnson lines up a putt on the first hole during the final round of the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club on S
Image: Dustin Johnson is considered the USA's main threat

I think the way McIllroy has come into it shows he's bang in the mood, but I'm edging towards Johnson because I think he'll be on the winning side.

The Americans have the advantage, obviously of being at home, and with the amount of rookies Europe have got in the team, so I'm backing their main man to deliver.

CHARLIE PREDICTS: Johnson to be top points scorer (7/1 with Sky Bet)

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Matt Le Tissier

Under pressure Martin Kaymer looks cool as a cucumber and there's no more pressure than in the Ryder Cup.

Image: Martin Kaymer completed the Miracle of Medinah

I think there's a similar type of psychology behind putting and taking penalties. It's about erasing doubts and being confident and he's already delivered when it was most important.

The Americans have obviously got some good players, but I'm backing Europe to win it and for that reason I think Kaymer will be the overall top points scorer at a decent price.

LE TISSIER PREDICTS: Martin Kaymer to be top points scorer (22/1 with Sky Bet)

Phil Thompson

Everybody will be backing McIlroy, but I'm going for Henrik Stenson to be the top points scorer.

TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 17:  Henrik Stenson of Sweden celebrates victory with the Claret Jug in front of the presentation party on the the 18th green after
Image: Henrik Stenson claimed his maiden major title at The Open

He has had a consistent year and obviously had a huge win at The Open and is a man that is calm under pressure.

THOMPSON PREDICTS: Stenson to be top points scorer (12/1 with Sky Bet)

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