The race is on for Xmas No.1

Modern Warfare 3 is the overwhelming favourite to be this year’s Xmas No.1, leading bookmakers say.

Both the ‘official’ odds from betting agent Ladbrokes and those from its rival Paddy Power say the latest Call of Duty will once again be the top game when the last chart before Christmas is proclaimed.

It would be the third Xmas No.1 in a row for CoD, if the predictions come true.EA’s best-selling football title FIFA 12 is expected to come in second according to both bookmakers, who are taking bets from today.Star Wars: The Old Republic, which launches just days before Christmas Eve weekend – tipped to be UK retail’s busiest week of 2011 – will miss out, however, due to Chart-Track’s deadlines.

Call of Duty looks nailed on to grab the top spot and the others look to be playing for second place only,” said Ladbrokes spokesmanAlex Donohue.

We’ve never knownodds so short for a gameto be number one at this early stage.”

As usual, however, there are some oddities in the bookmakers’ picks – not the least of which is Paddy Power’s 40/1 odds that Final Fantasy Versus XIII could take No.1. The game only entered full development last month.

THE BOOKIES’ FAVOURITES

Ladbrokes (all odds are correct at time of press)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 –1/12
FIFA 12–9/1
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations–20/1
Gears of War 3–25/1
Dark Souls–40/1
Rage–40/1
Battlefield 3–40/1
Dead Island–50/1
Pro Evolution Soccer 2012–50/1
Mario Kart 7–50/1
The Adventures of Tintin – Secret of the Unicorn–50/1
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception–66/1
Batman: Arkham City–66/1
Halo: Anniversary Edition–66/1
F1 2011–100/1
NBA 2K12–100/1
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games–100/1
Need for Speed: The Run–100/1
Saints Row: The Third–100/1
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword–100/1

Paddy Power(all odds are correct at time of press)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3–1/16
FIFA 12–6/1
Gears of War 3–10/1
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011–33/1
Final Fantasy Versus XIII–40/1
Mario Kart 7–40/1