Newcastle United vs Tottenham: 5 Key Battles for the Magpies and Spurs

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Newcastle United will put their undefeated record on the line against surging Tottenham Hotspur this coming weekend.

With a run of good results for both clubs, it will all come down to the individual battles on the pitch.

On paper, Newcastle are not as strong and injuries to several players including Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi have the Magpies questioning their chance.

However, Tim Krul has been nothing short of magnificent for them so far this season, and he is almost the biggest key to Newcastle Success.

Kyle Walker vs. Ryan Taylor

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Kyle Walker gave Liverpool's Jose Enrique fits several weeks ago in their defeat of the Reds. He should be equally as frustrating to Ryan Taylor.

Taylor will have to keep his wits about him in order to keep from being caught out by the marauding right back, as well as Rafael Van Der Vaart, if he is again deployed out on the right side.

Demba Ba vs. Ledley King

Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Demba Ba picked up a slight knock in his last match out for the Magpies, but a two week break should see him fully returned to face Spurs.

Newcastle's leading goal scorer will have to find a way to stay on the score sheet, and Ledley King will be tough opposition in order to do so.

Gareth Bale vs. Danny Simpson

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Gareth Bale is continuing to build on his form and a mid-week goal for Wales will certainly help his confidence.

Danny Simpson will have his hands full with the pace of the Spurs wide player, and he will be hoping to limit the services provided to Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermaine Defoe for the duration of the match.

Luka Modric vs. Ismael Cheik Tiote

Stu Forster/Getty Images

With Yohan Cabaye out injured, Ismael Cheik Tiote is expected to make a transition into a play maker role against Spurs, with Danny Guthrie hoping to get a start to assist him.

Luka Modric will be wielding the field in opposition, and whichever of the two are more up for it, will be the one who helps lead their club to victory.

Emmanuel Adebayor vs. Fabricio Coloccini

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Emmanuel Adebayor has been top drawer for Spurs so far during his loan spell and that is not expected to change.

However, Newcastle's Fabricio Coloccini has been equally as impressive, and he will be a tough opponent for the Togo international on the day.

Conclusion

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Newcastle are in for a tough test in order to maintain their unbeaten run, but it is matches like this that will define their season.

A great start has seen them riding high. However, Spurs have been surging up the table and they will be looking to define themselves as genuine contenders for the Champions League as well.

Newcastle are known to hold off opponents for some great results at St. James Park and after their come from behind 4-4 draw with Arsenal last season you can never count them out until the final whistle has blown.

Thanks for following me and be sure to read further on Bleacher Report and at the links below. You can follow me on Twitter @thedailyatz and Facebook or visit my Website.