Elo Match Rating System

Match ratings are generated using team Elo ratings. Each team in the English and Scottish divisions was given 1,500 Elo points at the start of the rating history, then ratings changed as fixtures were played.

As the fixtures progress, the changes in team rating begin to reflect the strength of each team relative to the other teams in the division.

At the end of each season an adjustment is made to deal with teams that are relegated and promoted. To keep the number of points in each division constant, points from relegated teams are reallocated to newly promoted teams and vice versa.

A team rating may increase, decrease, or occasionally stay the same after a game. Rating points are exchanged between the two sides.

A match rating for the next game is created by taking the home team Elo rating and subtracting the away team Elo rating. A high positive number indicates that the home team is stronger, and a high negative number indicates that the away team is stronger.

• The team old rating
• The Elo points difference between the home and away team
• The result of the match
• The expected result of the match
• The goal difference of the match
• An adjustment for home advantage