Okay, I will create a news article based on the latest information available, focusing on how to watch the Malta vs. Netherlands World Cup Qualifier, odds, and a preview of the match.
World Cup Qualifier: Malta vs. Netherlands – Everything You Need to Know
Malta will face the Netherlands in a World Cup Qualifier at Ta' Qali National Stadium on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The match is set to kick off at 19:45 BST. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the game, including how to watch, the latest odds, and team news.
How to Watch
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be available on Amazon Prime Video as a pay-per-view service. The cost is £2.49. In the United States, the match will be shown on Fubo and VIX. Live updates can also be found on GOAL.com. If you are abroad, you may need to use a VPN service like NordVPN to access your usual streaming services.
Odds and Predictions
The Netherlands are heavily favored to win, with bookmakers giving them a 98% probability of victory. Sportsbet lists the odds for a Netherlands win at 1.02, while a draw is at 20.00, and a Malta win at 61.00. Betting tips suggest considering an Asian Handicap of -3.25 for the Netherlands, with odds of -102, indicating expectations of a comfortable win for the Dutch. A popular prediction is Netherlands to win and over 3.5 goals to be scored, with odds of 3/4.
Team News
Malta has several players suspended for this match. Right-back Zach Muscat, winger Paul Mbong, and midfielder Jake Azzopardi are all out due to suspension. James Carragher is not included in the squad this time, but Jodi Jones is in contention. The predicted lineup for Malta is: Bonello; Muscat, Pepe, Shaw, Beerman; Guillaumier, Satariano, Teuma, P. Mbong, J. Mbong; Chouaref.
The Netherlands squad has faced some setbacks. Striker Mexx Meerdink has withdrawn due to injury and will not be replaced. Memphis Depay will also miss the match due to a stolen passport. Ronald Koeman has excluded Matthijs de Ligt, Noa Lang, and Sem Steijn from the squad, while Quilindschy Hartman and Jeremie Frimpong have been recalled. A possible Netherlands starting XI is: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Malen, Gakpo.
Match Preview
The Netherlands are currently joint-top of Group G with Poland, having collected 10 points from four matches. In their previous match, the Netherlands secured a 3-2 victory over Lithuania after initially surrendering a 2-0 lead. Malta, on the other hand, sits at the bottom of the group with two points from draws against Lithuania.
The previous encounter between these two teams saw the Netherlands thrash Malta 8-0 in June. The Netherlands have won all seven previous meetings with Malta, scoring 36 goals and conceding none. Malta has struggled in World Cup qualifiers, with only seven wins in 237 qualification fixtures since 1962. Their last win in a qualifier was four years ago against Cyprus.
Malta's coach, Emilio De Leo, acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes and continuing to build the team's identity. Despite Malta's improved defensive record at home, keeping clean sheets in five of their last seven home games, containing the potent Dutch attack will be a significant challenge.
Given the historical dominance and current form of the Netherlands, they are expected to secure a comfortable victory and move closer to World Cup qualification.
