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Ben James

The England v Wales head-to-head ratings as Welsh have four better players but key area may decide it

The big one is almost upon us - and many are predicting an England romp against Wales.

The bookies back Eddie Jones' side as 1-5 ON to win the Twickenham Six Nations clash.

But Wales have been underdogs before and still returned triumphant from games at English rugby HQ.

How do the two teams measure up ahead of the match?

We take a look....

Read next: The latest England v Wales headlines

Freddie Steward 8 v 8.5 Liam Williams

Steward has done little wrong since inhabiting the full-back jersey last year.

However, Williams bounced back into form at just the right time against Scotland. There are few better when he's at his best. Even if he's not quite there yet, Liam is still pretty good.

Max Malins 7.5 v 8.5 Josh Adams

Malins is a busy talent, keen to get his hands on the ball often.

But, despite his midfield performance in Dublin being marred by a frustrated yellow card, he's up against a truly world-class winger in Adams.

Back in his best position and undoubtedly keen to get into England. Good record of scoring against the Red Rose recently.

Henry Slade 8 v 7 Owen Watkin

Slade is a distinguished distributor, left-footed kicking option and capable of stepping into first-receiver. He'll be crucial in how England's 10-12-13 axis look to break down a Welsh defence marshalled by Gethin Jenkins.

Watkin was back for his first Wales start in a year last time out. Showed some nice moments in a solid display. The onus will be on him and Tompkins finding more joy in attack.

Elliot Daly 7 v 7 Nick Tompkins

England aren't due to make a call on who replaces the injured Manu Tuilagi until closer to kick-off, but it's expected to be either Daly or Harlequins' title-winner Joe Marchant. Either way England will lose the gainline breaking ability of Tuilagi, who has tormented Welsh defences before and was key to Eddie Jones' game plan.

In Tuilagi's absence England may switch Slade to 12 and put Daly at 13, but the centres will come against Tompkins who has quietly impressed for Wales in the 12 jersey so far.

It's a step up this week though.

Jack Nowell 7.5 v Alex Cuthbert 7

A rounded winger with a strong breakdown game, punchy carrying and high rugby intelligence, you know exactly what you're going to get with Nowell. One caveat is a lack of recent game-time.

As for Cuthbert, there are few better places he could notch up his 50th Test cap. Fine reward for a solid outing against Scotland.

Marcus Smith 8 v 8 Dan Biggar

It's easy to forget that Marcus Smith hasn't yet won 10 caps for England, such is the hype that surrounds him.

He's an undoubted talent, but Biggar's been around the block long enough now. Given his penchant for self-motivation, he'll likely take the plaudits directed at Smith personally and raise his game.

Harry Randall 7 v 8 Tomos Williams

It's pretty surprising that England haven't reverted to the experience of Ben Youngs, but Jones clearly wants some fizz around the rucks, with a bit more of a running threat.

We've probably yet to really see the attacking best of Williams, with everything Wales do coming off 10, but defensively he's putting in one heck of a shift. Hopefully this weekend he's allowed a little more freedom around the edges of rucks.

What's your England v Wales prediction?

You can also have your say here.

Ellis Genge 7 v 7 Tomas Francis

Wales have been quietly impressive in the scrums - even if the referees haven't always rewarded that, as was the case in Dublin. Francis is a big reason for that.

For that reason, some expected Joe Marler to come back into the fold, but Genge offers a big ball-carrying presence in the starting XV.

Luke Cowan-Dickie 8 v 7 Ryan Elias

Penalty try against Scotland aside, Cowan-Dickie is a general menace with his no-holds barred carrying and tackling.

Opposite him is Elias, with the Scarlets man coming off his best performance in a Welsh jersey against Scotland.

Kyle Sinckler 7.5 v 7.5 Wyn Jones

The clash of two Lions, Sinckler will win his 50th cap this weekend. The English prop tends to roll the dice at the scrum a little, with his low height packing down either earning an advantage or seeing him pinged for going to ground.

Jones, who hasn't exactly been on the referees' good side recently, will be keen to take advantage of that. He's certainly good enough to do so.

Charlie Ewels 7 v 7 Will Rowlands

Ewels will bring a strong work ethic and a lineout presence to the English pack, but, if Wales get their game plan right, he shouldn't have too many lineouts to win in the first place.

As for Rowlands, another big carrying performance will be required from the Dragons lock.

Maro Itoje 9 v 7.5 Adam Beard

Battle of Lions team-mates at lock. Itoje is a class act. At times, he's a one-man wrecking ball - disrupting the opposition with ease. If there's a downside, his discipline - particularly against Wales - hasn't always been brilliant.

As for Beard, he's been a little quieter than expected in this Championship in terms of performances, even if he seems to be dealing with the vice-captaincy pretty well.

Courtney Lawes 8 v 7.5 Ross Moriarty

Having the physicality of Lawes back in their side is a massive boost for England. The fact he returns as captain tells you the influence he's likely to have.

Speaking of physicality,Moriarty has brought it back in spades - something the Welsh back-row desperately needs. For added measure, he seems to love a clash with England.

Tom Curry 9 v 8 Taine Basham

In Curry, England have a world class back-row talent adored by the likes of Sam Warburton. Should be even better now he's relieved of the added pressure of being makeshift captain.

On the topic of Warburton, Basham isn't exactly in the mould of the former Lions skipper, but he's proof once more that Wales' conveyor belt of quality opensides is still working well.

Alex Dombrandt 7.5 v 8.5 Taulupe Faletau

Given his exploits for Harlequins, Dombrandt is understandably built up in the English hype machine, but he's yet to really grab hold of proceedings in this tournament.

Faletau, even off the back of a nightmarish seven month battle with injuries and the odd fleck of rust, is a world class talent.

Wales need his big-game experience to come to the fore.

How the benches measure up

This is where England's advantage really shines through.

Has Eddie Jones had more experience to call upon from the sidelines? There's 419 caps between them.

Wales have just 175 caps on the bench and 94 of those belong to one man in Jonathan Davies.

Jamie George 7 v 7 Dewi Lake; Joe Marler 8 v 6 Gareth Thomas; Will Stuart 7 v 6 Leon Brown; Nick Isiekwe 7 v 6.5 Seb Davies; Sam Simmonds 7 v 7 Jac Morgan; Ben Youngs 7 v 6 Kieran Hardy; George Ford 7 v 7 Gareth Anscombe; Joe Marchant 7 v 7.5 Jonathan Davies.

England 116, Wales 114 (starting XVs)

England 57, Wales 53 (benches)

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