Europe backed to make flying start
McGinley's men fancied in three of opening fourball matches
Friday 26 September 2014 07:10, UK
Sky Bet make Europe favourites to win three of the opening fourball matches at the Ryder Cup.
European skipper Paul McGinley has gone with four new pairings for the 40th renewal, while Tom Watson has left out the experienced Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar and Zach Johnson for the morning session at Gleneagles.
Europe remain odds-on favourites to win the trophy for the fifth time in the last six years with the USA 13/8 to record their first win on European soil since 1993.
Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson get the event under way and are even money favourites to see off Masters champion Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson in the opening match.
The USA pairing of Ricky Fowler and Jimmy Walker are marginal favourites at 11/10 against Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer (6/5) in the second group out.
Three rookies are in action in match three where Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter are evens against debutants Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed (11/8).
The final match, and the one that is likely to attract the most interest from punters, sees world No.1 Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia as odds-on favourites to see off Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson (6/4).
Europe are 16/1 to complete a clean sweep in the morning fourballs with a 2.5-1.5 lead available at 9/2. The USA can be backed at 5/1 to win the session 3-1, while a 2-2 tie is an 11/4 shot.
