New Zealand vs Malaysia Prediction, Preview, Lineups, and Team News | International Friendlies, October 14, 2024.
Read our in-depth preview of the New Zealand vs Malaysia international friendly on October 14, 2024. Get team news, predicted lineups, and predictions for this exciting match.Â
The footballing nations of New Zealand and Malaysia are set to clash in an international friendly on Monday, October 14, 2024, at North Harbour Stadium, located on New Zealand’s scenic North Shore. Although it’s a friendly, both teams will be keen to showcase their strengths and test new strategies, as they prepare for upcoming competitive fixtures in their respective continents.
This preview will delve into the teams’ recent form, predicted lineups, and what fans can expect from this exciting clash. With both teams coming off encouraging performances, the New Zealand vs Malaysia match promises to be an entertaining spectacle. Will New Zealand maintain their dominance, or will Malaysia cause an upset?
Match Details
- Fixture: New Zealand vs Malaysia
- Competition: International Friendlies
- Date: Monday, October 14, 2024
- Kick-off Time: 6:00 am GMT
- Venue: North Harbour Stadium, North Shore, New Zealand
New Zealand vs Malaysia Preview
Both New Zealand and Malaysia are eager to cap off their October international break with a positive result. While this is only a friendly match, it’s an important opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their tactics and assess players ahead of competitive fixtures later this year.
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New Zealand Overview
New Zealand comes into this match on the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Tahiti in the FIFA World Cup Qualification OFC. The team, managed by Darren Bazeley, has been building a strong reputation, with commendable performances against higher-ranked teams such as Ireland and the USA.
New Zealand has been playing with a high level of intensity, and their players seem to be in great shape ahead of this friendly. The likes of Chris Wood and Joe Bell are expected to be key players, as they look to finish the international break on a high note.
Malaysia Overview
On the other hand, Malaysia narrowly missed out on a place in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers, finishing third in their group. However, they have shown signs of resurgence under head coach Pan-Gon Kim, recently securing back-to-back victories in friendlies against the Philippines and Lebanon.
Malaysia will be looking to continue their strong run, and a friendly against a solid New Zealand side offers them a chance to test their mettle. Despite the friendly nature of the match, Pan-Gon Kim will likely use this opportunity to experiment with his squad and give younger players valuable international experience.
Team News
New Zealand Team News
New Zealand’s manager Darren Bazeley is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, which has worked well in recent matches. There are no significant injury concerns in the squad, meaning that Bazeley has a full-strength team to choose from.
Key players like Chris Wood, Liberato Cacace, and Joe Bell are expected to start, with New Zealand aiming to maintain their momentum from the 3-0 win over Tahiti.
Malaysia Team News
Malaysia’s head coach Pan-Gon Kim has been experimenting with a 4-3-3 formation, and it’s expected that he will continue with this strategy against New Zealand. Malaysia has no major injury worries, so the team is expected to field a competitive lineup.
Key players like Darren Lok, Safawi Rasid, and La’Vere Corbin-Ong will be essential in providing the creative spark Malaysia will need to challenge a well-organized New Zealand defense.
New Zealand vs Malaysia Predicted Lineups
New Zealand Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Crocombe
- Defenders: Payne, Bindon, Pijnaker, Cacace
- Midfielders: Garbett, Rufer, Stamenic
- Forwards: Just, Old, Wood
Malaysia Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Ghani
- Defenders: Davies, Mazlan, Tan, Corbin-Ong
- Midfielders: Rasid, Laine, Rashid
- Forwards: Cools, Josue, Lok
Head-to-Head Record: New Zealand vs Malaysia
The two sides have met twice before, both times in international friendlies back in 2006, with New Zealand emerging victorious on both occasions.
- New Zealand 2-1 Malaysia – 2006 (Friendly)
- New Zealand 1-0 Malaysia – 2006 (Friendly)
With New Zealand holding a perfect record against Malaysia, the home side will be confident of repeating their success.
Key Players to Watch
Chris Wood (New Zealand)
Chris Wood has been in excellent form for both club and country. The Nottingham Forest forward scored in New Zealand’s recent victory over Tahiti and will be the main attacking threat for his team. Wood is the captain of the New Zealand national team and has 34 goals in 74 appearances, making him the all-time top scorer for his country.
Safawi Rasid (Malaysia)
For Malaysia, Safawi Rasid is a player to watch. The forward has been in fine form in recent friendlies and will be crucial in Malaysia’s attacking play. Rasid has the ability to unlock defenses with his pace and skill, and he will be keen to make an impact against New Zealand.
New Zealand vs Malaysia Prediction
Given New Zealand’s recent form and their past record against Malaysia, they are expected to dominate this friendly match. The hosts have been consistent, while Malaysia has struggled against stronger opponents. Soccerbaba predicted a slight win for the home team
Predicted Score: New Zealand 2-1 Malaysia
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FAQs
- When is the New Zealand vs Malaysia match?
The match is scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2024. - Where will the New Zealand vs Malaysia match take place?
The match will be held at North Harbour Stadium, North Shore, New Zealand. - What time is the kick-off for New Zealand vs Malaysia?
The match kicks off at 6:00 am GMT. - Who is the captain of the New Zealand national team?
Chris Wood is the captain of the New Zealand national football team. - What is the predicted lineup for New Zealand?
New Zealand is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Chris Wood leading the attack. - What is the predicted lineup for Malaysia?
Malaysia is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation, with key players like Safawi Rasid and Darren Lok in the attack. - Has New Zealand ever played against Malaysia before?
Yes, the teams have faced each other twice, with New Zealand winning both encounters in 2006. - What is the current form of New Zealand?
New Zealand is coming off a comfortable 3-0 win over Tahiti in the FIFA World Cup Qualification OFC. - Who is the head coach of New Zealand?
Darren Bazeley is the current head coach of the New Zealand national team. - Who is the head coach of Malaysia?
Pan-Gon Kim is the manager of the Malaysia national team.
Where to Watch New Zealand vs Malaysia Live?
The match will be available for streaming on FIFA+ across various countries, including:
- USA: FIFA+
- UK: FIFA+
- India: FIFA+
- New Zealand: FIFA+
- Malaysia: FIFA+
This friendly encounter between New Zealand and Malaysia will provide an opportunity for both teams to test new players and refine tactics ahead of upcoming competitions. With both sides having a lot to prove, it promises to be an intriguing match-up. Be sure to catch the action on October 14, 2024!
