Malta vs Netherlands Prediction and Betting Tips for Thursday’s World Cup qualifying clash at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium. The Dutch are desperate to stamp their authority again after a wobbly September run, while Malta hope to avoid a repeat of their 8-0 defeat earlier this year. For more insights and stats-based forecasts, check out World Cup Predictions from XpertStats experts.

• Netherlands looking to maintain top spot in Group G with a dominant display in Malta.
• Memphis Depay chases another record after becoming the Oranje’s all-time top scorer.
• Malta yet to win in qualifiers, but home crowd could add an extra spark in Ta’ Qali.
• Ronald Koeman’s side unbeaten in all meetings against Malta so far.

The Netherlands arrive in Malta knowing exactly what’s at stake: a win to stay in command of Group G. Ronald Koeman’s side looked sharp in patches last month, but that 1-1 draw with Poland and a nervy win over Lithuania left fans uneasy. Memphis Depay, now the nation’s all-time top scorer, remains their talisman, while Frenkie de Jong continues to dictate play from midfield. Still, can the Oranje find their ruthless edge again away from home? It’s a fair question after recent wobbles.

For Malta, it’s less about miracles and more about pride. Emilio De Leo’s men sit bottom of the group with just two points, but they’ll look to make life difficult under the Ta’ Qali lights. Midfielder Teddy Teuma is back to anchor the side, offering some calm in an otherwise inexperienced lineup. The defense, though, has leaked 17 goals so far, something that could spell trouble once the Dutch start pressing high. Can they keep it respectable this time around?

Koeman’s selection shake-up adds some intrigue. With Matthijs de Ligt, Sem Steijn and Noa Lang left out, there’s room for new faces like Jeremie Frimpong and Quilindschy Hartman to make their mark. Donyell Malen, who has scored ten goals from the bench in just 27 outings, might get his chance to start alongside Cody Gakpo. That’s a bold move, but maybe the right one, especially against a defense that tends to crumble under sustained pressure.

History doesn’t lie: seven games, seven Dutch wins, and a staggering 36 goals scored without reply. That’s dominance on paper, and likely on the pitch again. Still, football has a funny way of surprising you. Malta will dig in, fight for every inch, and maybe, just maybe, find a moment to cheer. But realistically, another comfortable night for the Oranje seems on the cards. Expect goals, possession control, and a statement win as they push toward World Cup Predictions glory.