Netherlands will be aiming to retain top position in Group G when they take on Malta at Ta’Qali National Stadium on Thursday. The Oranje are seen as hot favourites to win this match, but boss Ronald Koeman must warn his men against complacency. Netherlands survived Lithuania in their last qualifying match, with Memphis Depay scoring the winner midway through the second half and we predict that fit-again Corinthians striker will prove a handful for Malta back-line as well. AZ Alkmaar striker Mexx Meerdink has received his first call-up, while both Noa Lang and Sem Steijn have been left out of the squad. Malta, on the other hand, defeated San Marino 3-1 in September’s friendly, but they will have a mountain to climb against Netherlands. As David faces Goliath in Ta’Qali, anything but a routine away win would be a big surprise. Teenage midfielder Jake Azzopardi is banned for the home side.
