Albion could be on course for a midweek showdown with promotion rivals Newcastle – thanks to the FA Cup.

The Seagulls were handed a third round tie at home to League One opponents in last night’s draw. They will play MK Dons or Charlton, who drew 0-0 at the Valley on Saturday and replay next Tuesday.

Albion boss Chris Hughton is almost certain to make full use of his squad for the tie, likely to take place on Saturday January 7, but the draw gives them a great chance of going through, which would mean a postponement of their crunch clash with current leaders Newcastle, scheduled for fourth round day.

Newcastle themselves were given a trip to fellow Championship side Birmingham City in the third round.

Some of Albion’s league rivals were handed more attractive fixtures as Ian Wright and Steven Gerrard made the draw in central London.

Reading boss Jaap Stam will lead his team to Old Trafford to take on his old club Manchester United. Aston Villa go to Tottenham and Preston welcome Arsenal to Deepdale.

Charlton and MK Dons both lost narrowly at the Amex last season on their way to relegation from the Championship.

The Addicks are 11th in League One with a game in hand and recently appointed new boss Karl Robinson, formerly in charge of the currently 19th-placed Dons.