Using Solver

[AndrewKent]

Hi there,

This is probably a bit complex for one thread but I thought I would give it a go.

I am currently analysing characteristics of football matches in order to predict future winners. I do this by multiplying things like goals scored/conceded shots ect by a set of figures (thus applying different weights to each characteristic). I have been manually trying to optimise the weightings I am applying but I was wondering if thr solver add-in might be able to help me?

I have a spreadsheet of about 30k rows of data, to which I apply my weightings and from which I calculate the success rate.

If my target was to increase the % of correct predictions, by changing the weightings, will solver help me?

Andy

 

[brettdj]

Its unlikely to

Solver provides answers where solutions need to be maximised/minimised against constraints. Ie for a given length (perimeter) of rope what is the biggest area that can be formed

I have used it before to create fantasy football teams where certain positions must be filled, players have specific value per points, and there is a salary cap

In your case it sounds that you would be better off looking at regression analysis and trends (ie home records v away awards, playing in winter versus summer, goal scoring power v defense).

Regards

Dave

 

[shg]

I think you could attempt to do this by logistic regression, which would require Solver. If you put a clearly-organized workbook on a file sharing site (preferably, box.net) with a subset of your data, I'll look at it.