Robbie Fowler may have taken his place in Manchester City's starting line-up, but Shaun Goater will be hoping the start of the Chinese New Year is a sign of good fortune ahead.

For today marks the beginning of the Year of the Goat in China and the 32-year-old will be aiming to ring it in in style - that is if he gets a run out in City's Premiership game with West Bromwich Albion.

City's ?6-million capture of Fowler has created what manager Kevin Keegan has described as a 'dream pairing' up front, with Nicolas Anelka already established in one of the two striking berths.

That means that Goater will have to adapt to a new role in the team - that of coming off the bench - unless he is able to live up to his challenge in yesterday's and displace one of his team-mates.

If results go their way City could go sixth in the league with a victory - a position that, at the end of the season, would guarantee them a spot in Europe.

Kyle Lightbourne, meanwhile, will undoubtedly be looking to put a bad week behind him when Macclesfield take on York in the Third Division tomorrow.

Lightbourne was the subject of a report submitted to the Football Association by the referee in last week's clash between the Silkmen and Exeter. The Island striker was involved in an altercation with a fan after Macclesfield conceded an injury time equaliser and the incident was noted in the official's report.