The Netherlands will look to strengthen their grip at the top of Group G when they travel to face Malta in World Cup qualifying on Thursday evening. The Oranje are heavy favourites to secure three points and move closer to confirming their ticket to World Cup 2026, while Malta will be hoping to avoid another heavy defeat at the hands of the group leaders.
Despite boasting one of the most talented squads in Europe, Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands have endured a mixed qualifying campaign so far. After beginning with two wins, the Oranje were surprisingly held to a 1-1 home draw by Poland before nearly throwing away a comfortable lead against Lithuania in Kaunas.
That game saw Memphis Depay, the country’s all-time leading scorer, continue his fine form with a brace, supported by a goal from Quinten Timber, but lapses in concentration exposed defensive weaknesses that Koeman will be desperate to address. Nevertheless, the Netherlands managed to grind out a win and maintain their position at the top of Group G, edging Poland on goal difference.
With upcoming fixtures against Finland and Poland set to define their campaign, Koeman will expect nothing less than a commanding performance in Ta’ Qali to restore confidence and consistency.
Malta, on the other hand, enter this fixture with modest ambitions. The island nation has shown flashes of improvement under Emilio De Leo, but results have been sparse. Their only points so far came from two draws against Lithuania, and while they managed a morale-boosting 3-1 friendly win over San Marino, they remain the lowest-ranked side in the group (FIFA rank: 166).
When these two sides met earlier this year, the Netherlands dismantled Malta 8-0 in Groningen, a result that underlined the gulf in class between the teams. The Maltese defence struggled to cope with the Dutch pace, movement, and clinical finishing, conceding three times within the opening 20 minutes.
Realistically, Malta’s goal will be to remain compact, disciplined, and resilient to avoid another humiliating scoreline, though their historical record offers little optimism: they’ve lost all six of their previous meetings against the Netherlands, conceding an average of five goals per game. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Emilio De Leo has been handed a slight boost ahead of the clash with Teddy Teuma returning to the squad after missing last month’s camp due to injury. The experienced midfielder, who plays for Stade de Reims in Ligue 1, will be crucial in adding both composure and creativity to the Maltese midfield.
Matthew Guillaumier is also back in contention after serving a one-match suspension, while Jake Azzopardi, who received a red card against Lithuania, has been dropped from the current squad. These adjustments should strengthen Malta’s defensive and midfield structure, especially against a team of the Netherlands’ calibre.
De Leo is expected to maintain a defensive 5-4-1 formation, prioritising compactness and discipline. Henry Bonello will start in goal, protected by a five-man backline featuring Ryan Camenzuli and Zach Muscat as full-backs, with Enrico Pepe, Kurt Shaw, and Jean Borg operating as central defenders.
In midfield, Teddy Teuma will partner Matthew Guillaumier in the centre, tasked with breaking up play and initiating quick counter-attacks. They will be flanked by Joseph Mbong and Paul Mbong, who will look to provide width while also tracking back to assist defensively.
Up front, Alexander Satariano should start as the lone striker. The setup is built to absorb pressure, with the hope of exploiting any gaps on the break through the pace of the Mbong brothers.
Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Bonello; Muscat, Pepe, Shaw, Borg, Camenzuli; Joseph Mbong, Teuma, Guillaumier, Paul Mbong; Satariano
Ronald Koeman has once again demonstrated his willingness to make bold squad decisions ahead of this week’s World Cup qualifiers. Several established names have been omitted from the current selection, including Matthijs de Ligt, Sem Steijn, and Noa Lang, all of whom miss out either due to form or tactical reasons.
Meanwhile, Jorrel Hato, Crysencio Summerville, and Sunderland duo Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida have also been left out as Koeman looks to refresh his squad with more dynamic and in-form players. There are, however, some notable returns and adjustments. Quilindschy Hartman of Burnley and Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool have been recalled to add pace and balance on the flanks.
Up front, Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst are both nursing minor fitness concerns but have still travelled with the team. Their availability remains uncertain, which initially led to the inclusion of Mexx Meerdink, though the AZ Alkmaar striker has since withdrawn from the squad due to an injury setback of his own.
Given the situation, Donyell Malen is expected to lead the line for the Netherlands against Malta. The Aston Villa forward has made a remarkable impact as a substitute for the national team, scoring 10 goals in 27 appearances off the bench, a national record. His movement and pace could prove decisive against Malta’s deep defensive line.
Koeman is set to deploy his side in a 4-3-3 formation, staying true to Dutch footballing tradition. Bart Verbruggen will take his place in goal, with Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, and Micky van de Ven forming the defensive quartet. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch will partner Frenkie de Jong, and Tijjani Reijnders, offering a balance of control, creativity, and pressing ability.
Up front, Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo will occupy the wide attacking roles, both cutting inside to link up with Donyell Malen, who will spearhead the Dutch attack. The combination of technical intelligence and fluid positioning among the front three should make the Netherlands’ offensive unit difficult for Malta to contain.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Malen, Gakpo
All eyes will be on Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool forward who has emerged as one of the Netherlands’ most influential attacking figures under Ronald Koeman. Known for his precision finishing and intelligent movement, Gakpo offers both versatility and a lethal presence in the final third. Whether deployed on the left flank or through the centre, his ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots makes him a constant menace for defenders.
Gakpo has struggled for Liverpool this season, and he will hope that the goal against Chelsea will be the boost he needs to kick on. His composure in front of goal and instinctive link-up play with teammates like Xavi Simons and Frenkie de Jong make him a central figure in the Dutch attack.
Against a low-block side like Malta, Gakpo’s creativity and quick exchanges in tight spaces could prove decisive in breaking down the defence. If he finds early rhythm, he could very well be the player to dictate the tempo and deliver the spark that ensures another comfortable victory for the Oranje.
Given the vast gulf in quality, depth, and form between the two sides, this fixture heavily favours the Netherlands. Ronald Koeman’s men possess superior technical ability, tactical organisation, and attacking firepower, while Malta’s main objective will likely be to limit the damage.
The Oranje have scored at least four goals in each of their last three meetings with Malta, and with players like Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons, and Donyell Malen in sharp form, another high-scoring display seems inevitable. Malta, on the other hand, have struggled to maintain defensive discipline against top-tier opposition and are unlikely to offer much threat going forward.
Expect the Netherlands to dominate possession, create numerous chances, and secure a comfortable win that keeps them top of Group G. The Hard Tackle predicts a 4-0 win for Ronald Koeman and his charges.
