Oasis' B-side collection The Masterplan is reported to be level-pegging with U2's greatest hits collection but Bono and co are tipped to be the biggest sellers by Sunday.

When Oasis released their last album in August 1997, they had the distinction of clocking up the most sales in the first week of release with 690,000 copies sold.

Bono: Aiming for the top

A spokesman for the HMV chain said that while sales of both records had been about even, Oasis' sales could slow down as many of their fans would have already rushed out and bought the new album.

"However, U2's committed fan base will probably not have that urgent need to buy straight away but will probably continue to buy it steadily all week," he added.

Both U2 and Oasis are well ahead of Alanis Morrisette's new album Supposed Former Information Junkie which was released this week.

Her first LP was the biggest selling debut album ever, selling more than 25 million copies.