As guitarist Keith Richards celebrates his 80th birthday today (December 18), the group's first record of original material in 18 years is eyeing a return to Number 1 this week. Hackney Diamonds debuted at the top of the Official Albums Chart in October, spending a week at the summit so far.
Michael Bublé is currently the biggest threat to The Stones. the Canadian singer-songwriter's seasonal Christmas at No. 2 midweek. The Official Greatest Christmas Song of the 21st Century's 2011 parent album It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas has spent five non-consecutive weeks at No.1 in the UK since its release.
Elsewhere, Cher's festive Christmas collection could reach a brand new peak, climbing ten to Number 5 midweek. Her 27th studio album, which features collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Darlene Love and Cyndi Lauper, Christmas previously peaked at Number 8.
André Rieu & Johann Strauss Orchestra's Jewels of Romance is also expected to climb this week, currently expected to climb thirteen to number 6.
Gregory Porter's Christmas Wish compilation looks set to return to the Top 40 this week (26), as does Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon (28) and Cliff with Strings' latest release – My Kinda Life (32 ) by Cliff Richard.