Albion's first team missed out on a plum FA Cup draw but the under-18s can land a glamour tie tonight in their version of the competition.
A home clash with Chelsea is the prize awaiting the winners of the third round meeting between the Seagulls youngsters and Port Vale at Nyewood Lane, Bognor (7.30pm).
Director of football Martin Hinshelwood said: "It's a big incentive for both clubs.
"I've seen Port Vale play and they are a big, well organised side. It's going to be hard for us but if we play the way we know we can I think we can win."
The Albion attack is led by the prolific Joe Gatting, whose hat-trick against QPR on Saturday took his tally to nine goals in the last four games for the under-18s and reserves.
Tommy Elphick marshals the defence after making his first team debut as a substitute at Reading on Saturday, with Joel Lynch back alongside him following injury.
Dan Leach is suspended and John Sullivan plays in goal, as Everton target Richard Martin is on loan to Kingstonian.
Albion: Sullivan; P. Hinshelwood, Cobbs, Fraser, T. Elphick, Lynch, Taylor, Chamberlain, Gatting, Jarvis, Fogden. Subs: Skinner, Winterton, Gargan, J. Martin, Bryant.
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