It’s a battle between the bottom and top sides in FIFA World Cup Qualification (WCQ) Group G, as Malta host the Netherlands.
Match News and Current Form
It’s been another painful qualification campaign for Malta, whose history of never qualifying for a major tournament is likely to continue after earning just two points from their five WCQ matches in this cycle. There is reason for optimism though, considering the Reds have been a tough nut to crack at home, losing just one of their last eight home matches (W3, D4). Any hopes of an enormous upset should be tempered though, considering those three wins came against San Marino, Liechtenstein and Moldova, with none of those three nations ranked higher than 156th by FIFA.
The Dutch have had no such issues so far with their only blemish in their four WCQ fixtures being a 1-1 draw with Poland (W3), who sit one place below Ronald Koeman’s side in Group G. The Oranje will be looking to keep the winning momentum going before what could be a pivotal showdown with the Poles next month, and another three points here should be all but guaranteed since they’ve won four of their last six away WCQ (D2).
Head-to-Head History
To say it’s been one-way traffic for the Netherlands in the H2H record would be an understatement, as they’ve won all seven prior meetings without conceding, scoring 36 times in the process.
Hot Stats and Streaks
The same half-time result has been replicated come full-time in all of Malta’s last seven matches.
Eight of Malta’s last 11 home games saw less than 2.5 goals scored.
The Netherlands have scored 2+ first-half goals in three of their four 2026 WCQ games.
Netherlands have scored in 11 of their previous 12 away games.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Malta’s Alexander Satariano has scored their lone goal this WCQ campaign, contributing to him netting the match opener in three of his last four goalscoring outings for club and country. Donyell Malen is fresh off a game-winning brace for club Aston Villa at the weekend, and his last two goalscoring appearances for the Netherlands saw him net twice on each occasion, including June’s reverse fixture vs Malta.
Malta will be without Paul Mbong and Zach Muscat due to suspension, while the Netherlands all-time top scorer Memphis Depay will be monitored having played a handful of minutes for his club since the qualifiers last month.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
The visitors will be looking to get off to another fast start and put this game to bed early, hence backing the Netherlands to score over 1.5 first-half goals seems a smart play.
Author: Peter Stavrinou