One Direction look set to regain their position at the top of the UK albums chart this weekend.

The Official Charts Company have confirmed in their midweek update today (December 18) that the band's third effort 'Midnight Memories' has moved up one place to No.1.

This means that last week's No.1 - Robbie Williams' 'Swings Both Ways' - drops to No.2, whilst Gary Barlow's 'Since I Saw You Last' sticks at No.3.

However, there are only 6,500 copies between the top three. One Direction's 'Midnight Memories' had previously spent two consecutive weeks at No.1 before Williams usurped it.

Olly Murs' 'Right Place Right Time' re-issue is a non-mover at No.4 and Beyoncé's surprise new self-titled record stays put at No.5.

The Killers' 'Direct Hits' meanwhile has risen 17 places to No.8 after they appeared on the X Factor final at the weekend.