Malta vs Netherlands Prediction – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2025 | Match Preview, Probable Lineups & Fantasy Tips

The UEFA Group G encounter between Malta and Netherlands on 9 October 2025 sees a massive contrast in expectations. Netherlands are flying high with form, scoring freely, and defending well. Malta, meanwhile, have had struggling campaigns, especially defensively. Fantasy football players, bettors, and lineup watchers will expect the Dutch to dominate and score multiple goals, while Malta will try to limit damage and maybe get a rare goal via set-piece or counter.

🏟 Match Details

• Match: Malta vs Netherlands, World Cup Qualifiers 2025 (UEFA Group G)
• Date: 9 October 2025
• Venue: Ta’ Qali Stadium, Malta
• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – UEFA Group G
• Kick-off Time: Evening local time

🌤 Pitch Report & Conditions

Ta’ Qali is expected to produce a sharp surface that allows quick transitions and good movement. Malta will look compact, defend deep, and rely on set-pieces and moments of counterattack. Netherlands will press high, use width, and look to exploit spaces behind the Maltese fullbacks. Weather forecasts are favourable, so no interruptions expected.

Malta Team Preview

Malta have had a tough run in this qualification cycle: conceding many, scoring very few. Their defense is shaky, and their attack lacks cutting edge. But at home they show courage and try to frustrate bigger teams.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches): Losses dominating, few draws only.
Strengths: Home support, fight in defense, set-pieces.
Weaknesses: Lack of creativity up front, defensive errors, pressure handling under the attack.

Key Players:

• Alexander Satariano: Malta’s main goal threat, will need to make most of rare chances.
• Teddy Teuma: Midfield workhorse, important for linking play and transition defence-attack.
• Matthew Guillaumier: Important in midfield, especially to slow down Dutch attacks.

Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1 with two defensive midfielders and one forward up top.

Netherlands Team Preview

Netherlands are in excellent form in the qualifiers. They’ve scored many goals, kept clean sheets, and show balance between attack and defence. Even with a few players unavailable or delayed, their depth allows strong lineup.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches): Several wins, strong attacking displays, minimal defensive lapses.
Strengths: High possession, quick wingers, clinical finishing, strong fullbacks.
Weaknesses: Occasional lapses on transitions, reliance on top forwards to convert chances.

Key Players:

• Memphis Depay: Main forward, high goal threat, expected to start.
• Donyell Malen: Pace, movement, likely to exploit space behind Malta’s defence.
• Frenkie de Jong: Controls midfield, dictating tempo.
• Virgil van Dijk: Defensive leadership, aerial strength, organizing backline.

Likely Formation: 4-3-3 with wing play, high press, strong control of possession.

⚔ Tactical & Match Prediction

Expect Netherlands to dominate possession, press high, and force Malta into mistakes early. Malta will try to stay compact, minimize space in midfield, and rely on counterattacks or set-pieces. Given the gulf in quality, it’s likely Netherlands will score several goals and control the match throughout.

Predicted Winner: Netherlands
Correct Score Prediction: Malta 0-4 Netherlands
Total Goals: Over 3.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score: No (Malta probably won’t find many chances)

💡 Fantasy / Dream11 Tips

• Captain Pick: Memphis Depay — high goal potential.
• Vice-Captain: Donyell Malen — speed + finishing.
• Safe Picks: Virgil van Dijk (defensive stability + possible clean sheet), Frenkie de Jong (midfield control).
• Differential Picks: Alexander Satariano (Malta) — if he gets chances, could reward.
• Avoid: Malta fullbacks unless attacking, Malta midfielders with defensive roles only.