Malta face a monumental challenge as they prepare to host the Netherlands at Ta’ Qali National Stadium on Thursday evening.
Malta vs Netherlands – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: 9th October, Thursday.
- Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.
- Venue: Ta’Qali National Stadium, Ta’Qali.
Malta Team News
Malta will be without key players Paul Mbong and Zach Muscat, who are both suspended for this crucial qualifier. The pair picked up their second yellow cards during the recent campaign and will miss this encounter. Both will return for the subsequent friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, there’s positive news for coach Emilio De Leo as midfielder Teddy Teuma returns to the squad after recovering from injury. The Stade de Reims playmaker brings vital experience and quality to Malta’s setup. Ryan Camenzuli also makes his comeback after missing September’s internationals.
Andrew Borg of Gżira United receives his first call-up under De Leo following impressive domestic form. Meanwhile, veteran defender Steve Borg will make his testimonial appearance in the Bosnia friendly but remains unavailable for the Netherlands clash.
Netherlands Team News
The Dutch face a significant blow with striker Mexx Meerdink withdrawing from the squad after suffering an injury just two days into his first international call-up. The AZ Alkmaar forward will not be replaced, adding pressure on the attacking options.
Memphis Depay will not take part in this match after his passport was reportedly stolen in Brazil. The Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer, who recently surpassed Robin van Persie’s record with 52 international goals, arrived late to the training camp and will miss this fixture.
Ronald Koeman has made several changes to his squad, dropping Matthijs de Ligt, Noa Lang, and Sem Steijn. Quilindschy Hartman of Burnley and Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong have been recalled to provide fresh options.
Form
Malta
Malta’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been challenging, collecting just two points from five matches. Their only points came from draws against Lithuania, highlighting the gulf in class against stronger opposition. However, they showed promise with a 3-1 friendly victory over San Marino in September, which marked their first win of 2025.
De Leo’s side has struggled defensively, conceding 12 goals while scoring just once in the qualifying phase. Their home record offers slight encouragement, with Malta losing only one of their last eight matches at Ta’ Qali National Stadium.
Netherlands
The Oranje have made a strong start to their qualifying campaign, collecting 10 points from four matches to sit joint-top of Group G. Ronald Koeman’s side has been prolific in attack, netting 14 goals in their qualifying fixtures, including an emphatic 8-0 victory over Malta in the reverse fixture.
However, September’s international window raised concerns. After a 1-1 home draw with Poland, the Netherlands nearly suffered embarrassment in Lithuania, surrendering a 2-0 lead before Depay’s winner secured a 3-2 victory. Despite these scares, they remain unbeaten in 13 World Cup qualifiers.
Predicted Lineups
Malta: Bonello; Muscat, Pepe, Shaw, J. Borg, Camenzuli; J. Mbong, Teuma, Guillaumier, Satariano; P. Mbong
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Malen, Gakpo
How to Watch Malta vs Netherlands?
UK fans can watch the game on Amazon Prime Video as a pay-per-view service.
Read Also – Gerrard names current midfielder he’d love to go ‘toe-to-toe’ with
See More – Iconic Performances: Beckham’s Greece goal earns England redemption
