Watching Arsenal the past two games reminded me of a scene in Creed, the latest Rocky Balboa movie.

Just minutes from the biggest fight of his career, Adonis Creed is hit by the sudden realisation of where he is and what’s at stake.

Freaking out, he screams at Rocky to get his gloves off so he can, politely speaking, use the toilet.

We are now very much at the business end of the season, squeaky bum time as Sir Alex Ferguson might say, and Arsenal, like Adonis, have s*** their pants.

Creed, presumably a few pounds lighter, got his nerve back and went on to heroically trade blows with his opponent. (Hardly a plot spoiler.)

Arsenal’s players appear paralysed by fear; the invisible Theo Walcott, in fact, may still be locked in the toilet.

The beauty of this Premier League campaign is that somehow they are not out of the title running and tomorrow presents them with the perfect opportunity to overcome what appears a crippling lack of belief at the heart of the team.

A win over North London rivals Spurs might even convince the likes of Walcott he has what it takes to win the league.

As Rocky himself said, you “are the toughest opponent you will ever face.”

Spurs missed out at West Ham but should not feel too downhearted having won their previous six and with an excellent record of bouncing back after defeats.

This is a North London derby that could really affect the rest of the season.

Prediction: 2-2

The Blues are currently on the longest unbeaten streak in the league, 12 games, and are, unbelievably, only eight points off the top four.

Stoke have won their past two matches but with Diego Costa seemingly happy again and Chelsea a team once more, this is a home win.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton are in the midst of an overdue good run and with the boost of major investment into the club, will have their tails up.

West Ham are one of the teams of the season but have won only one of their past nine on the road.

Prediction: 3-2

Despite City’s faltering form, this could be a cricket score. Villa are down and out.

Prediction: 4-0

A fortnight off, warm weather training, a call to arms ... and another defeat for Newcastle. Steve McClaren is fast using up any of the goodwill that remains for him in the North East.

This one really does feel like a critical match against a Bournemouth side that look well-equipped to avoid the drop.

Prediction: 1-2

All things point to a home win except the fact that Sunderland are fighting for their survival. Adam Johnson’s case has posed serious questions about the running of the club, which is on shaky ground on and off the pitch.

Big Sam won’t care too much about that, however.

Prediction: 1-1

While Swansea gave themselves a huge shot in the arm with victory at Arsenal, Norwich continue to ship goals at an alarming rate. Plus the fact they have lost nine of their past ten away league games and alarm bells are ringing in Delia Smith’s kitchen.

Prediction: 2-1

Who would have thought that Leicester’s point against West Brom would see them increase their lead at the top in midweek?

This is another tricky test where Jamie Vardy & Co will have to get past a deep, well-drilled defence.

Prediction: 1-1

Liverpool have not won at Selhurst Park since 1997 so history is not on Jürgen Klopp’s side. Recent results are, though, with Palace on a dismal run and Liverpool shaking off their Capital One Cup final defeat to Manchester City in style on Wednesday.

Prediction: 1-2

What a difference a few weeks can make. No one is saying United look like world beaters yet but they are back in the top-four mix and winning matches.

Louis van Gaal, too, has finally worked out how to win over the fans — take a dive in front of the fourth official. How we all laughed.

Another win to really put the pressure on neighbours City.

Prediction: 0-1

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