Netherlands vs Malta Preview, Prediction, News, Lineups, Odds: 10/6/2025

The Netherlands will face Malta in a pivotal Group E World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The match, set for a 19:45 kickoff at Euroborg Stadium, comes as the Dutch look to build momentum early in their campaign, while Malta aim to defy expectations and register a rare result against elite opposition.

With just one group-stage match played so far, the Netherlands sit third in the table with three points, while Malta, having contested three fixtures, occupy fifth place with a single point. The encounter presents a clear contrast in ambitions and capabilities, with the Netherlands heavily favored to secure a routine home victory.

Netherlands Overview

The Netherlands, managed by Ronald Koeman in his second stint at the helm, have made a confident start to their qualifying journey. Their 2–0 away win against Finland demonstrated control and tactical clarity. Koeman has returned to a system that emphasizes structured build-up and pressing, favoring a fluid 4-3-3 formation that utilizes the depth and balance of a squad packed with international talent.

The Dutch have impressed with their ability to dominate possession and restrict opposition threats, evidenced by their clean sheet in Finland. Their recent record across all competitions includes two victories, two draws, and one loss, pointing to a side that is settling into consistent form. As they return to home soil, expectations are high for another controlled performance, particularly given their unbeaten defensive record in the qualifiers to date.

With World Cup qualification on the line, maintaining momentum against lower-ranked teams such as Malta will be critical. The Netherlands are expected to impose themselves early and look for a decisive result to boost their goal differential and solidify their group standing.

Malta Overview

Malta enters this fixture as significant underdogs, having taken just one point from their opening three group games. Their campaign so far includes two defeats and a goalless draw against Lithuania, a result that highlighted their growing emphasis on defensive compactness. Despite the lack of scoring output—no goals yet in qualification—the team has shown signs of improved organization and discipline under their current coaching staff.

Sitting fifth in the group standings, Malta has struggled to generate attacking threats in recent years, and the current qualifying cycle has followed a similar pattern. However, their ability to contain Lithuania on home turf suggests they may look to replicate a low-block approach in Groningen, attempting to frustrate their Dutch opponents and limit the damage.

The Maltese side remains in a rebuilding phase, with incremental gains in tactical structure but limited offensive firepower. They are likely to rely on counter-attacking moments and set pieces while focusing heavily on maintaining shape.

Head-to-Head Record and Team Trends

The previous meeting between these two sides ended in a 4–0 win for the Netherlands, reinforcing the gulf in class. Historically, the Dutch have dominated the fixture, winning all three of their most recent encounters without conceding.

Recent form underscores this imbalance. In their last five matches, the Netherlands have recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat—demonstrating resilience and consistency. Malta, on the other hand, has managed just one win over the same stretch, alongside two draws and two losses. Their inability to score in qualifiers so far remains a major concern heading into this matchup.

Betting Outlook and Strategic Considerations

With the Dutch heavily favored, betting markets reflect the one-sided nature of the clash. Melbet offers odds of 1.03 for a home win, while a draw is listed at 26.00 with 1win, and a Malta upset is priced at 100.00—underscoring the improbability of an away victory.

The “Both Teams to Score – No” market also offers value, given the Netherlands’ defensive record and Malta’s goal-scoring drought. Melbet lists this bet at 1.29. For higher returns, punters may consider handicap bets or correct score predictions, with outcomes like 3–0 or 4–0 reflecting historical trends.

Many sportsbooks continue to offer welcome bonuses and free bets for new customers, which could be applied strategically to matches with strong favorites like this one.

Prediction

As the Netherlands return to home action, they are expected to continue their qualifying campaign with a commanding performance against Malta. Koeman’s team has shown the tactical maturity and defensive discipline necessary to control matches against lower-ranked opposition.

While Malta may present a disciplined defensive front, the gap in quality and offensive firepower is likely to result in a one-sided affair. Barring a major surprise, the Dutch should secure three points with relative ease and continue progressing toward qualification.

Prediction: Netherlands 3–0 Malta