Rage Against The Machine are 10% ahead of Joe McElderry in download sales, according to the Official Charts Company.

A press release today confirms that although McElderry's single 'The Climb' went on sale in the wake of a record breaking 19million people watching the X Factor final, Rage's 'Killing In The Name' are just nudging it.

However, they expect McElderry's sales to receive a massive boost when the physical format of the single go on sale tomorrow.

Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot says: "This is shaping up to be a very exciting battle between two different records which have captured the nation's imagination. But, although Rage Against The Machine have started off in front, according to our initial sales estimates, there is no doubt that this tussle is far from over."

If Rage Against The Machine do it, they will block the X Factor from scoring its fifth straight Christmas number one.

The Facebook group which started it all, 'Rage Against The Machine For Christmas No.1' now has 754,000 members.

The group has so far made an impressive £28,000 for the charity Shelter. You can make a pledge HERE.

(by Scott Colothan)