Take That and Michael Jackson are set to do battle in the race to top this year's Christmas album chart.

The boy band are currently at number one with 'Progress', but the odds have shortened on Jackson claiming a posthumous chart hit with new album 'Michael'.

Released this month, the LP includes collaborations with the likes of Akon, Lenny Kravitz and 50 Cent, and was finished after the star's death.

Take That are currently 4/7 favourites to beat Jackson (7/4) to the top of the Christmas album chart.

“It will take a very big name to knock Take That off the number one spot but Michael Jackson could do it from beyond the grave, assuming of course that it is Michael Jackson singing on the album," said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.

Take That's 'Progress', which is the group's first album in fifteen years to feature Robbie Williams, is currently spending its third week at number one.

(by Jason Gregory)