Netherlands vs Malta prediction, H2H and probable lineups – 10 June 2025
On June 10, 2025, the Euroborg Stadium in Groningen will host another World Cup 2026 qualifier as the Netherlands take on Malta. For this match, I suggest betting on the hosts' attacking firepower.
Preview
Ronald Koeman's men started this qualifying campaign later than the rest due to their participation in the Nations League playoffs. There, the Dutch showed their strength, avoiding defeat against Spain in both matches, but missed out on a spot in the final after a penalty shootout.
The team got off to a confident start in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, beating Finland 2-0 away in Helsinki. The outcome was practically settled by the 23rd minute, with Depay and Dumfries both on target. The Finns barely threatened the Dutch goal, as shown by a very low xG of just 0.13.
For Malta, this upcoming match will already be their fourth in the current qualifying group. Emilio De Leo's side have only managed one point from three rounds—thanks to a goalless draw at home against Lithuania (0-0). Previously, they lost to Poland (0-2) and Finland (0-1). Malta are yet to score a single goal, which is hardly surprising: in the last two rounds, they have created just 0.33 xG in total, highlighting their toothless attack.
As for the Nations League, Malta finished second in their League D group and next year will battle Luxembourg for promotion to League C.
Looking at the head-to-head history, Malta have never scored against the Netherlands in six encounters. The aggregate score is a staggering 28-0 in favor of the Oranje. However, the last meeting dates back to the previous century. Much has changed since then—even the so-called "minnows" have learned to play more organized football. How far Malta have come in that regard—we'll soon find out.
The fight for top spots in this group will most likely come down to Poland and the Netherlands. It's too early to speculate, but it's important to remember: if teams finish level on points, goal difference will be a crucial tiebreaker in the qualifiers. That's why the Dutch, especially at home, will be eager to score as many as possible and boost their stats.
Probable lineups
- Netherlands: Flekken, Dumfries, van Hecke, Van Dijk, Aké, Gravenberch, Reijnders, De Jong, Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo
- Malta: Bonello, Muscat, Carragher, Pepe, Camenzuli, Guillaumier, Satariano, Jones, Teuma, Mbong, Mbong
Match facts and H2H
- The Netherlands are unbeaten in their last four home matches—two wins and two draws.
- During that stretch, Koeman's side have notched 13 goals, showcasing impressive home scoring form.
- Malta, on the other hand, have struggled away from home—seven defeats in their last eight matches, scoring just twice in that period.
- Moreover, Malta have failed to find the net in each of their last four games.
Prediction
Malta's attack remains one of the weakest—no goals in three rounds and just 0.33 xG over the last two games. Away to the Netherlands, their chances are close to zero. The Oranje, coming off a confident win over Finland, will be playing their first home game of the campaign and will surely look to put on a show for the home crowd. The gulf in class is obvious. Our pick: Netherlands individual total over 3.5 goals—odds 1.67.
