Ed Sheeran set for 8th UK Number 1 album with +–=÷× (Tour Collection)

Ed Sheeran is leading the race to top the Official Albums Chart this week. 

Compilation LP +–=÷× (Tour Collection) has been a chart staple since its release in September, but now it could rise to Number 1 for the first time ever, thanks to the release of a limited-edition Blood Records vinyl variant. 

It would be Ed’s eighth total UK Number 1 album, joining; + (2011), X (2014), ÷ (2017), No. 6 Collaborations Project (2019), = (2021), - (2023) and Autumn Variations (2023).  

However, if Ed wants to go all the way, he’ll have to deal with ascendant pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, whose Short n’ Sweet is nipping at his heels (2). 

Chappell Roan’s debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess could re-enter the Top 3 come Friday (3), the eclectic pop LP previously topped the chart in August and proved that 2024 was the year in which pop’s long game truly paid off for Chappell. 

Arctic Monkeys’ 2013 opus AM is looking to break back into the Top 10 for the first time since 2023 (9). Alex and Turner and co’s debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (40) could also launch back into the Top 40 ahead of the 20th anniversary year of debut single I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor. 

Olivia Rodrigo’s two LPs also rise during the post-Christmas rush. Both former chart-toppers, GUTS stands at Number 12 midweek, while SOUR is at Number 19. 

Linkin Park’s recent Number 1 album From Zero is also on the rise again – it’s due to climb back into the Top 20 at Number 16. 

Finally, 2024 helped solidify Taylor Swift’s status as the biggest and most popular pop artist in the world. This week could see her sink six albums in the Top 40; The Tortured Poets Department (8), folklore (28), Lover (35), Midnights (36), 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (37) and reputation (38), which is heavily expected to become her next re-release come the new year.