Rory McIlroy: 'USA are favourites'

Europe's Rory McIlroy has insisted that the USA are "favourites" to win the Ryder Cup this weekend.

The travelling Europeans head to Chicago as holders of the trophy following a 14.5 points to 13.5 victory over the Americans at Celtic Manor in 2010.

However, this time around world number one McIlroy believes that the USA have a better 12-man squad.

"I think the United States are favourites, they are a strong team. We're going to have to play very well, we know that," McIlroy told reporters.

This will be McIlroy's second appearance at a Ryder Cup.