The focus of the footballing world will shift to the Premier League on Boxing Day, ahead of the eagerly anticipated traditional post-Christmas fixtures.

With many other countries still favouring a winter break over the festive period, 18 sides will feature in the English top division on December 26 to mark the start of a busy period.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at five classic Boxing Day clashes.

Manchester United 4-3 Newcastle, 2012

Manchester United’s Jonny Evans celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the game
Manchester United’s Jonny Evans celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the game (Martin Rickett/PA)

Manchester United claimed all three points in extra time as Javier Hernandez completed his side’s comeback in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last Boxing Day fixture.

In a controversial game, James Perch opened the scoring for the Magpies before Jonny Evans equalised and then diverted a Danny Simpson cross into his own net.

Patrice Evra pulled them back level before a low strike from Papiss Cisse put the visitors ahead, but only for four minutes as Robin Van Persie scored a third and Hernandez added a dramatic late winner.

Chelsea 4-4 Aston Villa, 2007

Referee Phil Dowd shows Aston Villa’s Zat Knight the red card
Referee Phil Dowd shows Aston Villa’s Zat Knight the red card (Nick Potts/PA)

A late Gareth Barry penalty gave Aston Villa a draw in an incredible game which saw eight goals and three red cards.

Shaun Maloney’s brace put Villa 2-0 up against the Blues before Zat Knight was sent off and Andriy Shevchenko netted twice to pull the sides level.

Alex then put the hosts ahead before Martin Laursen levelled the scores, Ricardo Carvalho saw red before a Michael Ballack free-kick appeared to have won the match but Barry converted from the spot as Ashley Cole conceded a penalty and received the third red of the match, this time for handball.

Coventry 3-2 Arsenal, 1999

Coventry City’s Robbie Keane celebrates scoring his side’s third goal
Coventry City’s Robbie Keane celebrates scoring his side’s third goal (David Jones/PA)

Robbie Keane got the decisive goal as the Coventry held on to claim victory in a tough game against Arsenal – to date their most recent win against the north London side.

Goals from Gary McAllister and Mustapha Hadji put the home side 2-0 up before Freddie Ljungberg got one back for the Gunners.

Keane restored the lead with just under 20 minutes left before a goal from Davor Suker gave Arsenal hope of securing a point, but Coventry were able to hold on to their lead.

Everton 2-6 Manchester United, 1977

Manchester United’s Lou Macari (l) scores against Liverpool
Manchester United’s Lou Macari, left, scores against Liverpool (PA)

Manchester United were in 13th place just before Christmas under manager Dave Sexton, having just lost 4-0 at Old Trafford to Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest when they travelled to Goodison Park.

Lou Macari scored two of United’s six goals, with Gordon Hill, Jimmy Greenhoff and Sammy McIlroy adding their names to a scoresheet which included a Trevor Ross own goal.

Martin Dobson and Bob Latchford scored Everton’s consolation goals in United’s emphatic victory.

Wigan 4-3 Manchester City, 2005

Wigan Athletic’s Jason Roberts celebrates his first goal
Wigan Athletic’s Jason Roberts celebrates his first goal (Malcolm Couzens/PA)

Wigan came from behind to take all three points against Manchester City, with Jason Roberts striking twice.

City took the lead through Antoine Sibierski after three minutes, with Roberts equalising quickly before Wigan took the lead through Lee McCulloch.

Roberts added a second before Henri Camara scored Wigan’s fourth but a strike from Joey Barton and a close-range finish from Andy Cole ensured a tense finish as the Latics held on for the win.