Ryder Cup 2014 Sunday singles: Rory McIlroy takes on Rickie Fowler as Paul McGinley sends his big-guns out early

Europe needs four-and-a-half points to win the Ryder Cup

Sam Torrence, Thomas Bjorn, Paul McGinley and Ian Poulter (Getty Images)

Europe head into Sunday’s Ryder Cup singles knowing they only need four-and-a-half points to win a third straight tournament, and as a result captain Paul McGinley has sent his side’s big guns out early in an effort to blow away the USA.

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Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell has only played twice out of the four possible sessions, but alongside playing partner Victor Dubuisson he has a 100 per cent record and will come up against the unbeaten Jordan Spieth in the opening match.

Henrik Stenson will return after being rested for Saturday’s foursomes to take on Spieth’s weekend partner Patrick Reed, while World No 1 Rory McIlroy will tackle Rickie Fowler.

Justin Rose has already secured three-and-a-half points through three wins and one draw, and he’ll have a chance to add to that against Hunter Mahan in the fourth tie, with Stephen Gallacher takingon the rested Phil Mickelson in what could prove a pivotal clash.

Martin Kaymer, who partnered Rose on Saturday afternoon in Stenson’s absence, will face two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, and Dane Thomas Bjorn will come up against Matt Kuchar.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia will look to prevail in an intriguing tie against veteran Jim Furyk, with ‘Mr Ryder Cup’ Ian Poulter facing a match against Webb Simpson, who will be looking to improve on his poor form shown on Friday morning.

Jamie Donaldson will head out in the tenth match of the day against Keegan Bradley, and his playing partner Lee Westwood will follow him around the course as he battles Jimmy Walker in the penultimate tie.

Finally, Frenchman Victor Dubuisson meets Zach Johnson, and should it go down to the wire, it will be up to them to bring the Ryder Cup home.

Sunday singles:

11.36 - Graeme McDowell vs. Jordan Spieth

11.48 - Henrik Stenson vs. Patrick Reed

12.00 - Rory McIlroy vs. Rickie Fowler

12.12 - Justin Rose vs. Hunter Mahan

12.24 - Stephen Gallacher vs. Phil Mickelson

12.36 - Martin Kaymer vs. Bubba Watson

12.48 - Thomas Bjorn vs. Matt Kuchar

13.00 - Sergio Garcia vs. Jim Furyk

13.12 - Ian Poulter vs. Webb Simpson

13.24 - Jamie Donaldson vs. Keegan Bradley

13.36 - Lee Westwood vs. Jimmy Walker

13.48 - Victor Dubuisson vs. Zach Johnson