Europe head into this weekend's Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country Club with the pressure of being holders of the trophy.

While many believe that home advantage could be crucial for the American team, there are still plenty of pundits that have tipped Europe to retain the title for another two years.

Below are the 12 players and their captain that have been tasked with ensuring that the trophy remains in Europe.

Jose Maria Olazabal - Captain

With seven playing contributions at Ryder Cups and two as vice-captain, Spain's Olazabal is probably the perfect captain for the European side. He formed a formidable partnership with the late Seve Ballesteros. Together the Spanish pair won 11 matches, losing just twice. In total he has won Europe 20 points at this event and his experience could prove to be invaluable.

Nicolas Colsaerts

The Belgian is one of Olazabal's wildcard picks. His rise into this squad has been pretty remarkable considering that in March 2011 he was given odds by numerous bookmakers of 100/1 to make the cut. When the 29-year-old steps onto the course in Chicago, he will be come the first man from Belgium to feature for Europe at the Ryder Cup. He impressed at this year's Open Championship, having finished seventh overall.

Luke Donald

Former world number one Donald has a winning record from his three previous appearances at the Ryder Cup. The 34-year-old has won two out of three singles matches, as well as six foursomes. He should feel right at home this week considering the fact that he lives in Chicago and earned a degree in art theory and practice at Northwestern College in the city.

Sergio Garcia

There are few players around that have more Ryder Cup experience than Garcia. His presence in Chicago means that Spain's record of having at least one player in the European squad since 1979 continues. The 32-year-old has only managed to win one of his singles matches in five attempts at the event. However, it is the foursomes and fourballs where he proves his worth. Secured his spot in the team with victory at this year's PGA Wyndham Championship.

Peter Hanson

The Swede didn't have the best of Ryder Cup debuts at Celtic Manor two years ago. He lost his singles match against Mickelson, as well as his foursomes encounter alongside Miguel Angel Jimenez. Since then though the 34-year-old's stock has continued to rise, culminating with his success at KLM Open in the Netherlands earlier this year.

Martin Kaymar

It hasn't been the best of years for German number one Kaymar. The 27-year-old could not stop winning from 2008 until 2011. However, that success appears to have eluded Kaymar so far this year and as a result reports have claimed that he has changed his swing in an attempt to regain some winning form. He impressed during the foursomes and fourballs on debut in 2010, particularly alongside Lee Westwood.

Paul Lawrie

The Scot made his Ryder Cup debut back at the Country Club in 1999. However, it has taken him 13 years to gain a spot in the European squad for a second time. It would be fair to say that the 43-year-old's career had stalled for a number of years. He's rediscovered his love for the game recently though, resulting in victories at the 2012 Qatar Masters and last month's Johnnie Walker Championship.

Graeme McDowell

'G-Mac' made himself a European hero in 2010 with that putt on the 16th to regain the trophy at Celtic Manor. It proved to be a year to remember for McDowell, who won the US Open at Pebble Beach just prior to the Ryder Cup. Despite not winning one of the top events this year, the Irishman has been in impressive form. In what will be his third Ryder Cup outing, McDowell is expected to partner fellow countryman McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy

The world number one is regarded as the biggest European scalp at the Medinah this weekend. It has been a mixed year for the 23-year-old, who missed four cuts from five outings during the summer. However, successive FedEx Cup victories recently have made it three tournament wins out of four for the Irishman - the highlight being his second Major success at the US PGA Championship in August. This will be his third Ryder Cup appearance.

Francesco Molinari

On the face of it, Molinari's Ryder Cup debut in 2010 does not look to be overly impressive. After all, he failed to win any of his encounters. Nevertheless, on the penultimate day at Celtic Manor he sunk a short punt during the fourballs to keep Europe two points ahead of the Americans. Looking back, it was one of the most crucial moments of the tournament. The 29-year-old Italian secured his spot on the team with a victory at Open de Espana earlier this year.

Justin Rose

Englishman Rose has one Ryder Cup appearance under his belt. That came at Valhalla in 2008 and the 32-year-old impressed by defeating Phil Mickelson 3 & 2. He also showed good form during the fourballs and foursomes. South African-born Rose heads into this weekend in good form, particularly after he finished third at the US PGA Championship.

Ian Poulter

The Ryder Cup seems to ignite something inside of Poulter. The 36-year-old, who will be appearing for a fourth time in Chicago, has a highly impressive record of eight points from 11 matches. He has also never lost a singles match against his American counterparts. He is expected to partner fellow Englishman Rose.

Lee Westwood

The world number four is arguably one of the best players to have not won one of golf's major honours. However, when it comes to Ryder Cups there is not much Westwood has not experienced. During his eight appearances the 39-year-old has proved himself to be a strong partner, having claimed eight points from a possible 13. His singles record is not so clever though, winning just two of seven matches.