The Netherlands will take on Malta in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, 10 June, with the hosts looking to continue their winning start to life in Group G.
Ronald Koeman's men came out on top against Finland on Saturday in what was their first match of the qualification campaign, and will fancy their chances of moving onto six points on Tuesday.
Malta have played two games more than the Netherlands in Group G, but have only picked up a solitary point so far.
As part of this week's round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, here is our Netherlands vs Malta prediction.
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Netherlands vs Malta prediction: An easy night ahead for the hosts
Key Stats
- The Netherlands have won seven of their last eight qualifiers.
- Malta have failed to win any of their last four matches.
- Only three goals have been scored across Malta's last four matches.
Correct score prediction: Netherlands 3-0 Malta
The Netherlands were pretty comfortable against Finland last time out and this match should, on paper at least, be even more straightforward. Malta are the lowest ranked team in Group G and are therefore expected to lose every match they play, particularly the two they play against the highest-ranked team in the group.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The Netherlands are the big favourites
- HOME: 1/40 (1.03) – 97.6%
- DRAW: 22/1 (23.00) – 4.3%
- AWAY: 60/1 (61.00) – 1.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Netherlands vs Malta odds are illustrative of just how big of a mountain the visitors have to climb on Tuesday night. Ladbrokes have made the Netherlands the overwhelming favourites, and have given them a 97.6% chance of winning the match. Malta, meanwhile, have been given just a 1.6% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first meeting in 30 years
The match on Tuesday night marks the first time since 1995 that these two nations have gone head-to-head on the football pitch, so it will be a first for all 22 players. The last two encounters both finished 4-0 to the Netherlands and a similar result this week wouldn't be a shock to anyone.
Netherlands preview: Big names missing
There are some household names missing from the Netherlands squad for this match, but after their 2-0 win on Saturday, Ronald Koeman will feel his decisions have already been vindicated. The most notable absentees include Jurrien Timber, Brian Brobbey, Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.
Predicted lineup: Verbruggen (GK), Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake, Reijnders, De Jong, Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo, Memphis
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
L
Spain
3 (5)
Netherlands
3 (4)
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
D
Spain
2
Netherlands
2
UEFA Nations League A 19/11/24
D
Bosnia-Herzegovina
1
Netherlands
1
UEFA Nations League A 16/11/24
W
Hungary
0
Netherlands
4
UEFA Nations League A 14/10/24
L
Germany
1
Netherlands
0
Malta preview: A chance for Carragher to impress
The most notable name in the Maltese ranks is James Carragher, the son of Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher. The centre back has done well for his adopted country in recent matches and was a big reason why they kept a clean sheet against Lithuania last time out. In a further boost to their defence, Gabriel Mentz and Kurt Shaw will both return from suspension for this one.
Predicted lineup: Bonello (GK), Shaw, Carragher, Muscat, J.Mbong, Guillaumier, Teuma, Satariano, Camenzuli, P.Mbong, Jones
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/25
L
Poland
2
Malta
0
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
Finland
1
Malta
0
UEFA Nations League D 19/11/24
D
Andorra
0
Malta
0
International Match 14/11/24
W
Liechtenstein
0
Malta
2
UEFA Nations League D 13/10/24
W
Moldova
0
Malta
1
Player to watch: Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo may well be a Premier League champion now, but he will feel that he deserves a more prominent role at Liverpool moving forward. Outside of Mo Salah, there is an argument that Gakpo is the club's best finisher and with speculation rife about Luis Diaz's future, the Dutchman could get the opportunity to nail down that spot on the left wing. First things first, perform for your country.