Published Wednesday, 19 December 2012
X Factor's James Arthur is in the race for Christmas Number One. (© Rex Features)
While James took an early lead for the top spot, The Justice Collective - featuring names including Sir Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams - are now just 3,400 sales ahead.
The X Factor winner's single, a cover of Shontelle's Impossible, has now sold 106,300 copies.
But the cover of The Hollies hit He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother has sold around 109,700.
"This really is the closest number one battle we can remember," Martin Talbot, from the Official Charts Company, said.
"There is a long way to go yet - but this one looks like going down to the wire."
The number one will be revealed during the chart countdown on Sunday on Radio 1.
Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed he will effectively waive VAT on the Hillsborough song after campaigners sought a tax break on sales.
James Arthur's single is also raising funds for charity, namely Together For Short Lives.