World Cup Opta Stats: Benzema and Muller to run riot

Germany have already scored seven times at this World Cup

The Opta stats hint that the key to profit on Europe-v-Africa Monday lies in backing the most proven scorers...

France v Nigeria
Monday, 17:00
Live on BBC One

Match Odds: France 1.4640/85, Nigeria 9.08/1, The Draw 4.84/1

Les Bleus have lost two of their last three World Cup matches against African nations

France's grimmest World Cup moments this century were inflicted by African opponents, as Senegal set the tone for their dismal 2002 defence and South Africa ensured a feeble finish to a tumultuous 2010 campaign. Only winless Togo in 2006 bent to French will. Nigeria won their one prior clash with the 1998 champions and have netted in nine of their ten World Cup collisions with European sides.

Recommended Bet: Lay France to win in 90 minutes @ 1.4640/85

Karim Benzema has scored nine goals in his last nine appearances for France

Among Benzema's nine strikes are three in three at this World Cup and though Nigeria have kept two clean sheets already in Brazil, their defence isn't as resilient as unremarkable Iran and Bosnia teams made it look. Argentina demonstrated that by firing three past them in their Group F finale - doubling their tournament tally - as did Scotland and USA by scoring two past them in the build-up.

Recommended Bet: Back Benzema to score @ 2.186/5

Germany v Algeria
Monday, 21:00
Live on ITV

Match Odds: Germany 1.341/3, Algeria 11.5n/a, The Draw 5.85/1

Germany have scored the opening goal in all three of their games so far in the competition

Germany's deadlock-breaking expertise isn't exclusively down to their abundance of attacking talent, but also their defence's refusal to allow foes any early gifts. They haven't given away a first-half goal in any of their last eight internationals. As Algeria haven't been involved in a goalless opening period in any of their six outings this year, trailing Russia last time, it points to a German interval advantage.

Recommended Bet: Back Germany to lead at half-time and full-time @ 1.991/1

Thomas Muller has scored nine goals in nine World Cup appearances

One of the summer's sub-plots is Miroslav Klose's bid to overhaul Ronaldo as the all-time top World Cup scorer, with the pair currently tied on 15. However, even if he does claim an outright lead, it is unlikely to last long with 24-year-old Muller over halfway towards matching them following less than a tournament-and-a-half's work. The Bayern forward grabbed four group goals and, ominously, was more prolific in the knockout phase in 2010, notching four times, including twice in the round-of-16.

Best Bet: Back Muller to score @ 1.9420/21