Albion host two of their promotion rivals in quick succession at the end of next month now that Newcastle's visit has been rearranged.

Rafa Benitez brings his leaders to the Amex on Tuesday February 28 (7.45pm), three days after Reading's visit (5.30pm).

Both games are live on Sky, earning the second-placed Seagulls £200,000.

It will be a crucial period in the promotion race, as Newcastle also visit fifth-placed Huddersfield on March 4.

Albion are a point behind Newcastle with a game in hand. They are eight points and two places above Reading.

Newcastle were originally scheduled to travel south on January 28, when both clubs are in FA Cup fourth round action, Albion at Lincoln and the Toon at Oxford United.

The February 28 date will also be postponed if either club are involved in an FA Cup fifth round replay.

The earliest the showdown between the top two could take place then would be March 14.

Newcastle are unhappy with February 28 as a new date and have revealed they asked the league and Albion to reschedule for later in the season.

Their trip to Sussex will start a busy week which sees them visit Huddersfield the following Saturday and then tackle Reading at the Madejski Stadium three days later.

Albion have beaten Newcastle on their two previous visits to the Amex, in the FA Cup in 2011-12 and 2012-13.

They lost 2-0 at St James' Park at the end of August.