By Rob Hodgetts

You try and get under their skin as much as you can within the rules of the game European team profiles USA team profiles

Europe are the holders after victory in Sweden two years ago but have never won the matchplay event on American soil.

"Their biggest advantage will be the crowds and the golf course; ours will be team spirit and the fact that we've got a very good team," Davies said.

"If they want to go length for length, we've got them covered too."

Davies, 41, who has played in every Solheim Cup since its inception in 1990, admitted that winning in America would be a tall order.

SOLHEIM CUP RECORD 2003: Europe 17.5-10.5 USA 2002: USA 15.5-12.5 Europe 2000: Europe 14.5-11.5 USA 1998: USA 16-12 Europe 1996: Europe 11-17 USA 1994: USA 13-7 Europe 1992: Europe 11.5-6.5 USA 1990: USA 11.5-4.5 Europe

"We normally have pretty good support but it's hard with that many people rooting against you," Davies told BBC Sport.

"That's why we're going to have to raise our game just that little bit higher."

But Davies insisted that the Europeans, like their Ryder Cup partners, have a unique bond which the Americans struggle to achieve.

Kerr lauds US spirit

"I'm sure the Americans will say they have great team spirit but I don't think it will be as good as ours. Whether they will have as much fun as we have, I'd very much doubt that," she added.

"It's the European way; American sport is more individual."

Davies also insisted the Europeans will not be intimidated on the golf course, in a competition which has a long history of niggle between the two teams.

"There will be a little bit of banter. You try and get under their skin as much as you can within the rules of the game because that's what makes the thing so much fun," she said.

Europe's team also boast world number one Annika Sorenstam, as well as six-time veteran Trish Johnson and six other players with Solheim Cup experience.

Sorenstam and Davies share Europe's record point score (17.5)

Three rookies, in French pair Ludivine Kreutz and Gwladys Nocera and England's Karen Stupples, make up the 12-strong side under captain Catrin Nilsmark of Sweden.

"They've all won tournaments, know how to win, and are well qualified pro golfers," said Davies, who is tied with Sorenstam as Europe's record points scorer on 17.5.

"Annika is the biggest name in golf. If she can perform during the week hopefully she can drag the rest of us through it on her coat tails.

"If everyone gets at least one point we're probably going to be very good.

"But it'll be all about the week. Either team can win - it's as simple as that. It's not like they're overwhelming favourites, or we are.

"Six months ago they were looking a bit flaky and I thought we could start as quite strong favourites.

"But all their players have been playing really well recently. We know how hard the job is going to be but I think we all fancy it."