CHERRIES will face Premier League rivals Brighton in the FA Cup third round next month.

Eddie Howe's side, paired with the Seagulls in tonight's televised draw, will host the tie on the weekend of January 4-7.

The two sides have not played in the Premier League this season.

Brighton travel to Dorset on Saturday, December 22 for a league encounter and Chris Hughton's team will now repeat the trip along the south coast in the new year.

Cherries have been knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage in the past two seasons, losing to lower-league opposition on both occasions.