The Netherlands travel to Ta’ Qali National Stadium on Thursday evening for a World Cup qualifier against Malta. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 BST. The Dutch will be looking to maintain their strong position in Group G, while Malta aim to build on their recent performances. Find our match preview and predictions below.
Our predictions for Malta vs Netherlands
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands to Win & over 3.5 goals | 3/4 @ bet365 (40.0%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The Netherlands sit top of Group G and face a Malta side who are yet to record a victory in qualifying. When the pair met in June, the Dutch came out comfortable 8-0 winners. A cricket score may not be on the cards again, but at the current odds of 3/4, backing the visitors to win and over 3.5 goals looks a value selection. |
| Donyell Malen to score anytime | 29/20 @ Paddy Power (14.3%) | ⭐⭐ | Donyell Malen heads into this international break with momentum on his side. Already a double-digit scorer for the Netherlands with 11 career goals, the forward showcased his finishing prowess last weekend by netting both goals in Aston Villa’s 2-1 triumph over Burnley. With his confidence high and sharpness in front of goal evident, Malen is likely to be a key threat against Malta. |
How both teams go into Malta vs Netherlands
Ronald Koeman’s side head into the October international break level on points with Poland at the top of Group G. The Oranje have taken 10 points from a possible 12 so far, with wins against Lithuania, Malta and Finland, along with a draw with Poland. The Netherlands came out 8-0 winners when they played Malta in the summer and will be confident of another comfortable victory here.
Malta’s discipline has been an issue over the last year with the Reds having a player dismissed in five of their last seven matches. Malta sit at the bottom of the table on two points, both of which came in draws against Lithuania.
World Cup qualifying standings
| Team (Group G) | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 12 | -11 | 2 |
| Team (Group G) | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 3 | +11 | 10 |
Malta team news
Saint-Étienne striker Irvin Cardona will be pushing for a starting spot in attack, competing with the Mbong brothers and Notts County’s Jodi Jones for a place in the front line. In midfield, Teddy Teuma returns to provide experience and leadership after missing last month’s camp, while Matthew Guillaumier is back from suspension and ready to slot straight into the lineup. Elsewhere, Jake Azzopardi, who was sent off against Lithuania, has been left out of the squad this time around.
Netherlands team news
Ronald Koeman has refreshed his Netherlands squad for this week’s World Cup qualifiers, leaving out several well-known names. Matthijs de Ligt, Sem Steijn, and Noa Lang are among those to miss out, while Teun Koopmeiners, Jorrel Hato, Crysencio Summerville, and the Sunderland duo Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida have also been omitted.
There is some good news on the recall front, with Burnley full-back Quilindschy Hartman and Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong both returning to the setup. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar striker Mexx Meerdink was handed his first senior call-up amid fitness doubts over Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst, though the young forward has since been forced to withdraw from the squad.
Head to head: last 4 meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 10/06/2025 | Netherlands 8-0 Malta | World Cup Qualifier |
| 11/10/1995 | Malta 0-4 Netherlands | European Championship qualifier |
| 29/03/1995 | Netherlands 4-0 Malta | European Championship qualifier |
| 13/03/1991 | Netherlands 1-0 Malta | European Championship qualifier |
Conclusion
The Netherlands enter this match as strong favourites. With a potent attack led by Memphis Depay and a solid defence, they are well-equipped to secure a comfortable victory. Malta will need to produce a near-perfect performance to challenge the Dutch, but their recent record against top teams suggests a tough task ahead. Take our best bet of backing the Netherlands to Win & Over 3.5 goals to be scored, at 3/4 with bet365.