Project Description

This will be a WordPress-based website dedicated to football matches and their analytics. The main idea is to aggregate detailed statistics and information about matches from an external service (API Football), and, if necessary, use artificial intelligence or ready-made AI services for automated predictions.

1. Website Structure

   • Homepage: brief announcements of upcoming matches, popular teams/tournaments.

   • Individual match page:

     • Detailed statistics (lineups, goals, cards, possession, etc.).

     • Overview of the latest results of teams.

     • History of confrontations.

     • AI predictions and previews.

   • Additional sections (league tables, results of past games, team pages).

   • Example: https://oddspedia.com/football/oman-saudi-arabia-2137 

2. Operating Principle

   • The website regularly makes automated requests to API Football (according to configured Cron jobs) and uploads match statistics to its database. The possibility of using ACF and Readonly Fields is also welcomed.

   • The obtained data is cached (temporarily stored) for faster page display and to avoid exceeding API limits.

   • For analytics and predictions, external AI services or a custom artificial intelligence module can be connected.

3. Main Features

   • Displaying statistics of any football match, including real-time mode (if the selected PRO plan allows it).

   • Synchronization with API Football for data updates (lineups, schedule, league tables).

   • Administrative panel in WordPress for content management (hiding certain matches, manual sorting, changing referral links to bookmaker sites, etc.).

   • Static design through WP templates, can be done without Gutenberg since in most cases information will be taken from the API, so layout can simply be done in the file.

4. Key Advantages of the Website

   • A single access point to football data: from match schedules and results to detailed statistics and analysis.

   • Fast loading due to the use of caching.

   • Scalability: easy to add new tournaments, teams, types of analytics.

   • Convenient information updates (automation through Cron and integration with API).

Thus, this website serves as a comprehensive tool for football fans and statistics enthusiasts, providing timely information and match analytics in WordPress.

Technical Task

For the developer, it is necessary to analyze the information only, without actual development regarding the technical specifications. Draw conclusions, summarize, and record the results in writing. The next step will be to formulate specific tasks for the developer based on the results of the analysis. It should be noted that the project is planned to be developed further and to add other sports events (basketball, volleyball, etc.), so the project architecture needs to be thought out in advance.

Task #1. Analysis of API Football | PRO Plan

https://www.api-football.com/ 

    It is necessary to analyze all the endpoints provided by the API (match schedules, team lineups, statistics, league tables, etc.) and based on this data, compile a list of blocks that we can add to the match page according to the example appearance on the page https://oddspedia.com/football/oman-saudi-arabia-2137. Document what limitations the requests have (limits, response format).

Task #2. Analysis of Narrow AI for Match Analytics

This task refers to a specific section on Oddspedia - Match Preview. 

1. Overview of Existing Solutions

   • Analyze the example Oddspedia (Match Preview section) and other similar services that use artificial intelligence/automated analytics.

   • Determine what data set is necessary for calculating AI predictions and what additional parameters are needed (team form, personnel losses, etc.).

2. Integration Opportunities in the Project

   • Determine whether a custom analytics module needs to be developed or if a ready-made third-party solution/plugin can be used.

   • Analyze resource requirements (calculations, caching) and WordPress capabilities in conjunction with AI services.

Task #3. Analysis of Work Terms

In this task, it is necessary to analyze the work terms and their estimated cost.

1. Stages and Their Duration

   • Estimate the approximate duration for:

     1. Setting up and configuring API Football (connection, test requests, caching).

     2. Developing and integrating analytical modules.

     3. Working with the design/layout of the match page.

2. Assessment of Possible Risks

   • API Football limitations (number of requests, response speed).

   • Need for additional modules (caching, database optimization).

Task #4. Building Project Architecture on Backend with Synchronization and Caching Principles in WordPress in Written Form

In this task, it is necessary to think through the project architecture considering future expansion of the product to other sports events (basketball, volleyball, etc.). Therefore, I would recommend using OOP, PHPUnit, composer, etc. from the start.

It is necessary to consider during the architecture building:

1. Integration Scheme with API Football

   • Cron jobs for periodic data retrieval and updates (synchronization with API according to limits).

   • Storage (WP Database or custom tables) for storing retrieved data (matches, teams, statistics).

2. Caching and Optimization

   • Implement mechanisms for caching requests to the API (Redis, WP Transients, third-party plugins) to reduce loading time.

   • Set up data reuse from the cache for displaying statistical blocks.

3. Data Structure and Main Entities

   • Posts/Custom Post Types: create a special CPT for matches or use meta fields in regular posts.

   • Taxonomies: teams, tournaments, seasons (for filtering and quick search).

   • Functionality Extension: shortcodes or Gutenberg blocks for displaying statistics on different pages.

4. Recommended Plugins/Libraries

   • Advanced Custom Fields or a similar solution for convenient work with large volumes of data.

   • Caching plugins (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, or others).

As a result, it is necessary to obtain

1. A list of data and statistical blocks that can be displayed on the match page.

2. A proposal for the database structure and synchronization mechanism with the API (considering limits and best caching practices).

3. An estimated work plan and timelines for implementing each part (API, analytics, design).

4. A conclusion regarding the feasibility of using AI solutions (ready-made or custom).