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U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger (R) and President of the PGA of America, Brian Whitcomb, pose next to a plaque which notes the Radison Martinique being the location where the PGA was founded in 1916 before to a news conference in New York, September 2, 2008. REUTERS/Chip East (UNITED STATES)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Ryder Cup holders Europe will enter uncharted territory in Kentucky next week when they defend the cherished trophy against the United States for the first time as favorites on American soil.

Five of the last six matches have gone Europe's way, the last two in lop-sided fashion, and U.S. captain Paul Azinger has embraced the unaccustomed role of underdogs.

"It will be unique to be in America on our home soil as underdogs but clearly the European team is strong," Azinger said in the build-up to the biennial team competition.

"I think it's one of the strongest teams I've ever seen them bring across here.

"We will be an underdog. We are missing Tiger Woods, the greatest player on earth and arguably the greatest player ever. That's a big blow to us."

World number one Woods shut down his 2008 campaign after winning the U.S. Open and having reconstructive knee surgery.

"I like the team that we have and I'm really confident with who we have," added Azinger, a veteran of four Ryder Cups as a player. "But Europe has a terrific match play record and team track record and we are going to be underdogs in this event."

Europe have won the last two matches in record-equaling style, blowing away the Americans by 18-½ points to 9-½ at Oakland Hills in 2004 before repeating the drubbing at the K Club in Ireland two years later.

AMERICAN ONSLAUGHT

Hardly surprisingly, European captain Nick Faldo has prepared for a U.S. onslaught at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from September 19-21.

"I certainly believe it's their intention," the six-times major champion said. "They are going to be coming at us at full guns blazing, and I know that's the way I'm thinking, as well.

"My team will be thinking that. You're going to go there and start from ground level and work up again. (Make) no assumptions at all."

Asked whether the European team was capable of winning by a margin of nine points for the third time in a row, Faldo replied: "I think 14 ½ (out of a possible 28) will do me very nicely.

"We've been on an extraordinary run for these last few years but winning is the most important thing to me. Points are really not important."

Since 1981, there has been very little to choose between the two sides in terms of matchplay grit and ability.

Although the Americans have generally bristled with major winners, the Europeans seem to gel better as a 12-man unit.

Traditionally, the U.S. have gone into the Ryder Cup with a much stronger line-up, particularly with regard to individual world rankings.

GREATER STRENGTH

However, that changed for the 2006 showdown and Europe again hold the rankings edge this year. While each 12-man team boasts six players in the world's top 20, Europe have greater strength in depth.

All the Europeans are ranked in the world's top 50 while two Americans, JB Holmes and Chad Campbell, lie 56th and 57th.

The average world ranking in Faldo's team is 22.42 compared with 24.67 in Azinger's.

Two of the Americans, Tour veteran Kenny Perry and long-hitting Holmes, will be competing in their native state of Kentucky and Azinger will be aiming to capitalize on the effect of the home fans.

"I expect a real boisterous, home crowd advantage," the U.S. captain said.

"That's what I'd like, imploring the crowd there to be our 13th man, all the while understanding it is a golf event and that everyone needs to be properly behaved and never cross the line of what's proper etiquette in the event.

"That's my hope and I think sportsmanship should play out in the end as it always should in these matches."

The 37th Ryder Cup starts on Friday with the opening foursomes matches.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)