John Mayer Expected To Top Billboard 200

John Mayer is on track to debut at No. 1 with “Battle Studies,” which could sell somewhere between 275,000 and 300,000 copies by week’s end on Sunday (Nov. 22), according to industry sources. It will be the singer/songwriter’s second topper, following “Heavier Things” in 2003. “Heavier” bowed in the penthouse with 317,000 copies. Mayer’s last studio set, “Continuum,” entered the chart at No. 2 with 300,000 in 2006.

Next in line could be Casting Crowns’ “Until the Whole World Hears,” with possibly as much as 175,000 copies. After that, 50 Cent’s “Before I Self Destruct” and Norah Jones’ “The Fall” are vying for the third-highest debut, as each are estimated to sell around 150,000 copies.

Tween sensation Justin Bieber’s debut album, “My World,” could shift 100,000 copies while “American Idol” winner Kris Allen may see his debut effort move approximately 90,000 copies. Rock supergroup Them Crooked Vultures seems on track to sell about 75,000 with its first effort and Leona Lewis’ second album, “Echo,” may sell 50,000 to 60,000, as will Paul McCartney’s new live set “Good Evening New York City.”