Maldives — Philippines Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 18 November 2025
On November 18, 2025, in the Asian Cup Qualification Third Round Round 5, Maldives will host Philippines. The match is scheduled to kick off at 11:30 CET. Let’s take a closer look at both teams’ form, key facts, and the likely outcome of this clash.
Maldives
The Maldives approach this matchup with very low motivation, having lost all chances to top their group. They currently sit at the bottom of the standings with 0 points and a goal difference of 1 scored and 10 conceded.
Their recent matches were against Tajikistan, and the team lost both encounters — 0–2 away and 0–3 at home. Their current form is therefore not convincing. Over the last nine matches across all competitions, including friendlies, Maldives have recorded just one draw and one win, losing the remaining games.
In other tournaments, the team participated in the first round of the World Cup qualifiers, where they were eliminated by Bangladesh.
Looking at their head-to-head record against the Philippines at home, Maldives have played twice, winning once and losing once.
Philippines
The Philippines are in good form. Across all competitions, the team remains unbeaten over the last 10 matches, recording 5 wins and 5 draws. In this World Cup qualification campaign, they are also unbeaten so far, with 3 wins and 1 draw against Tajikistan — the team they are competing with for first place in the group. Currently, the team has 10 points, with 13 goals scored and 5 conceded. Against a weaker opponent like Maldives, the Philippines are expected to take the points, as the final match against Tajikistan will likely decide the group winner.
In other tournaments, the Philippines performed well in the ASEAN Championship, reaching the semifinals before losing to Thailand.
Looking at head-to-head meetings against Maldives, the teams have faced each other six times in history. The Philippines have lost only once, won three times, and two matches ended in draws. In the first round of this qualification, the Philippines defeated Maldives 4–1.
Probable Lineups
- Maldives: Faisal, Aiham, Ali, Irufaan, Hassan, Nihaan, Shifaz, Mahudhee, Mohamed, Raif, Naiz
- Philippines: Mendoza, Baccay, Nyholm, Tabinas, Kempter, Reyes, Ott, Schneider, Leipold, Kristensen, Holtmann
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- Maldives have failed to win in 8 of their last 9 matches.
- Philippines have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Each of the Philippines’ last 6 matches have seen over 2.5 goals.
- In 10 of the Philippines’ last 11 matches were scored both teams.
- Philippines have won 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings against Maldives.
- In 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings, both teams scored.
Maldives — Philippines Prediction
Both teams come into this match in very different forms and positions in the group standings. Maldives have struggled for a long time, failing to record a victory in official matches and completely underperforming in the Asian Cup qualifiers. The Philippines, on the other hand, are currently the favorites to qualify for the Asian Cup and have no room for error. They are rightly considered the favorites in this matchup. Matches involving the Philippines tend to be open and high-scoring, and we expect the same here. Considering the differences in quality and motivation between the two teams, we anticipate an attacking game. My bet for this match: total goals over 2.5 at odds 1.60.
