The Boateng brothers will up against each another once again as Germany square off with Ghana looking to virtually secure the first place in the standings.

Following the shock defeat to USA, the Black Stars have no choice but to try and get something from this game, which is clearly easier said than done.

Even before the tournament started, Germany were seen as one of the favourites for the trophy, although numerous injuries to star players threatened to take the wind out of their sails.

Joachim Low opted to start with Thomas Muller as a lone striker in the opening match against Portugal and that proved to be a magnificent decision as the Bayern Munich star went on to score a hat-trick in a 4-0 triumph over the Seleccao.

Die Mannschaft looked quite impressive throughout, although their job was made easier by the red card received by Pepe for headbutting Thomas Muller.

And with the pressure now off, Germany can be trusted to produce another excellent performance when they face Ghana, with Joachim Low’s charges 1.33 (1/3) favourites to claim maximum points.

After taking his World Cup goal tally to eight in seven matches, Thomas Muller is 2.05 (21/20) to continue his scoring run against the Black Stars.

Mats Hummels is a major doubt with a thigh problem, while Bastian Schweinsteiger is unlikely to start despite recovering from a knee injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Mustafi, Boateng, Mertesacker, Howedes – Khedira, Lahm – Ozil, Kroos, Gotze – Muller.

Having narrowly missed out on a semi-final appearance at the 2010 tournament, Ghana had high hopes ahead of the 2014 World Cup despite being placed in arguably the strongest group.

But, rather than enjoying an easy victory over USA in the opening match, the Black Stars made life very difficult for themselves by losing 2-1, meaning they now need to win at least four points from the remaining two games.

Ghana were the better team on the night, but could not turn their domination into goals, and they will have to be much more ruthless in front of goal if they want to upset the odds against Germany.

Backing the Black Stars to win does not seem like a good idea, but both teams to score bet needs to be considered at 2.00 (1/1).

Michael Essien and Daniel Opare have recovered from a toe and thigh injury respectively and they will be fit to face Germany.

Meanwhile, boss Kwesi Appiah is set to make a number of changes to his starting line-up, with Kevin-Prince Boateng among those expected to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Kwarasey – Inkoom, Boye, Mensah, Afful – Essien, Muntari – A. Ayew, Boateng, K. Asamoah – Gyan.