A compound framework for sports results prediction: A football case study

Byungho Min, Jinhyuck Kim, Chongyoun Choe, Hyeonsang Eom*, R. I. (Bob) McKay

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We propose a framework for sports prediction using Bayesian inference and rule-based reasoning, together with an in-game time-series approach. The framework is novel in three ways. The framework consists of two major components: a rule-based reasoner and a Bayesian network component. The two different approaches cooperate in predicting the results of sports matches. It is motivated by the observation that sports matches are highly stochastic, but at the same time, the strategies of a team can be approximated by crisp logic rules. Furthermore, because of the rule-based component, our framework can give reasonably good predictions even when statistical data is scanty: it can be used to predict results of matches between teams which have had few previous encounters. Machine learning techniques have great difficulty in handling such situations of insufficient data. Second, our framework is able to consider many factors, such as current scores, morale, fatigue, skills, etc. when it predicts the results of sports matches: most previous work considered only one factor, usually the score. Third, in contrast to most previous work on sports results prediction, we use a knowledge-based in-game time-series approach to predict sports matches. This approach enables our framework to reflect the tides/flows of a sports match, making our predictions certainly more realistic, and somewhat more accurate. We have implemented a football results predictor called FRES (Football Result Expert System) based on this framework, and show that it gives reasonable and stable predictions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)551-562
Number of pages12
JournalKnowledge-Based Systems
Volume21
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Bayesian inference
  • Football
  • In-game time-series approach
  • Rule-based reasoning
  • Simulation
  • Sports prediction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A compound framework for sports results prediction: A football case study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this