The 12th Solheim Cup starts this weekend at Killeen Castle in Ireland with the US looking to make it four wins in a row and an inexperienced Europe side determined to stop them.
Led by captain Rosie Jones, the Americans are heavy favourites to retain the title, but Solheim legend Laura Davies is sure they can be stopped.
Davies, who has represented Europe in all 11 previous cups, said the bookies' choice does not always get things their own way when the talking ends and play finally starts.
"The bookmakers make us massive underdogs," the 47-year-old said. "But underdogs do sometimes win and I think it will be close. The course is playing very long and that should suit us.
She added: "The key is to have a lead going into the singles. That is a must because the records show that the US is always strong on the last day. But it's going to be a terrific battle."
Meanwhile, all-time points leader in the tournament and European vice-captain
Annika Sorenstam revealed why she thinks the team's status as underdogs is unjustified.
"We haven't won the Cup since Barseback in 2003, but I do genuinely like our chances," the Swede said. "Admittedly, there is a bit of a rankings gulf between the two sides, but you would be foolish to brand Europe underdogs.
"As with the
Ryder Cup, playing at home is a huge advantage. Remember, America have only won on European soil twice since the tournament first began in 1990," she added.
US superstar
Michelle Wie said teamwork will be crucial if her team is to win this weekend.
"You're representing your country and there is so much at stake that sometimes I think you have to kind of almost rely on your teammate to kind of push you in the right direction or kind of calm you down or pump you up," she commented. "I think that's going to be a very important part of the week."
Meanwhile, teammate Angela Stanford said she believes it is actually the US team that are the underdogs this year.
"If you look at their team from top to bottom - this is my fourth time - this is the most consistent team I have faced from top to bottom. They're solid, and they're at home," she explained. "I know a lot of their team has played on this course multiple times. Suzann [Pettersen] won, Sophie [Gustafson] won the year I played here. So for us to come in and think that we're favourites, we have to watch that."
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