Captain Paul Azinger still believes Europe deserve favouritism [GALLO/GETTY]

A Saturday afternoon full of brilliant shot-making and clutch putting by both teams finally ended with the hosts 9-7 ahead of holders Europe in the biennial competition.

The Europeans, who have won the last three editions, possess greater strength in depth than the Americans at Valhalla Golf Club and Azinger has decided to throw the dice for a quick kill.

His first four in the singles order are the explosive Anthony Kim, birdie machine Hunter Mahan, rock-steady Justin Leonard and world number two Phil Mickelson.

Kentucky native Kenny Perry and in-form rookie Boo Weekley will go out at five and six, followed by big-hitting JB Holmes and the experienced Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink and Steve Stricker.

"We've got our 12 guys out in the order we wanted them," Azinger told reporters after the U.S. ended the second day in front of Europe for the first time since Oak Hill in 1995.

"There was a little bit of discussion about it and we kind of had a big group huddle. I already had in my mind this is how I wanted to do it and I was just getting a little confirmation.

"It looks like... there's going to be some great matches out there. The first match with Kim and (Sergio) Garcia should be pretty energetic. I'll look forward to another tough day."

Faldo looks for strong finish

While Europe will lead off with Garcia and Britain's Paul Casey, captain Nick Faldo has gambled on anchoring his line-up with two of his strongest players at 11 and 12.

Cup veteran Lee Westwood will face Ben Curtis in the penultimate match with three-times major winner Padraig Harrington taking on Chad Campbell in the bottom contest.

"We've been in there for half an hour doing this," Faldo said of his singles order.

"Everybody was involved so we've thought long and hard of it.

"Padraig wanted to go there (last). I'll let him say the words. They have been said but I would rather he use the words that describe what kind of match he wanted."

A favourable omen for Europe is that the U.S. led by the same margin of 9-7 going into the singles matches in 1995 before losing the Ryder Cup by 14 1/2 points to 13-1/2.

However, Faldo preferred to look forward, rather than backwards.

"We won't be thinking of history or the past," he said, neglecting to notice they were the same thing.

"Tomorrow is the only moment we've got. That's what the guys have been living for, that's why they want to be here and that's what we'll be playing for tomorrow."

Azinger claims underdog status

For Azinger, this week has already been a rousing one for the U.S in their bid to end the run of three successive defeats.

"We were clearly underdogs," he said. "We come in here without the best player and Europe comes in here with this unbelievable team so for us to be two points ahead I think is really good."

World number one Tiger Woods is missing the Ryder Cup for the first time since he made his debut at Valderrama in 1997, having undergone reconstructive knee surgery in June.

"The crowd has been a big part of it, but these guys are all gamers and they've done great," Azinger added.

"We'll just try to keep them on point tomorrow and embrace the crowd and just love where they are. They're in a good place right now mentally and we're happy to be in a position we're in but there's a long, long way to go and we know that."