Rap battle between Eminem and Ramz for number one spot

There will be a closely fought battle for the number one spot in the charts this week as there are just 60 sales between the top two contenders.

At the halfway point of the charts week, last week’s number one – River by Eminem – is just a few dozen combined sales across downloads and streaming ahead of rapper Ramz’s Barking at number two, the Official Charts Company has said.

South London musician Ramz has the advantage when it comes to streaming, so could well leap frog the US rapper by Friday.

Eminem’s River, which features vocals from Ed Sheeran, topped the charts last week and became his ninth UK number one hit.

Norwegian singer Sigrid, who won the BBC Music Sound Of 2018 prize, has jumped to number three from 26 with Strangers at the mid-week stage.

According to the Official Charts Company, she is outperforming both Eminem and Ramz in downloads, so has the potential to hit the top of the charts with four days to go.

Tip Toe by Jason Derulo and French Montana is currently in line for the fourth spot and Sheeran’s Perfect is at number five.

Over on the Official Albums Chart, the cast recording of musical film The Greatest Showman is facing competition from two new records: Fall Out Boy’s Mania and Ruins by First Aid Kit.

US rockers Fall Out Boy are currently in second place ahead of Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit’s new release in third.

The Greatest Showman soundtrack, which features vocals from its stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams and Zendaya, would score a third consecutive week at number one if it retains its current sales pace.

Sheeran’s Divide looks set to finish the chart week at number four, while Eminem’s Revival is at number five.