And it seems it might have underestimated the new Fratton Park head coach’s impact since replacing Kenny Jackett last month, with the technology now predicting a top-six finish for Pompey and a place in the end-of-season play-offs.
Following the Blues’ come-from-behind win against Ipswich – Cowley’s first game in charge – the FiveThirtyEight data model system dampened the mood by suggesting the PO4 outfit would still finish outside the play-off positions in seventh place.
However, subsequent wins over Shrewsbury and Rochdale has required the ‘supercomputer’ to re-evaluate it’s initial stance – and it appears to predict that the new feelgood factor around Fratton should extend to the end of the campaign with the Blues now expected to finish fifth.
That’s good enough to claim a much-wanted play-off position and set up a possible double-header against Blackpool, who are predicted to finish fourth.
A then mouthwatering possibility of facing either Peterborough (fourth) or Lincoln (6th) lies in wait in the play-off final, with the eventual winners expected to join predicted champions Hull and runners-up Sunderland in the Championship.
Of course, we all know these are algorithms and computer statistics at play.
Yet it’s reassuring to know that even the technology is picking up on the change of mood around these parts following the Cowley brothers’ arrival.
Below is FiveThirtyEight’s latest predicted final League One table for the 2020-21 season…
1. Bristol Rovers - 24th
Predicted points: 41, predicted goal difference: -29 Photo: Dan Mullan
2. Rochdale - 23rd
Predicted points: 42, predicted goal difference: -29 Photo: Lewis Storey
3. Wigan Athletic - 22nd
Predicted points: 43, predicted goal difference: -31. Photo: Lewis Storey
4. AFC Wimbledon - 21st
Predicted points: 45, predicted goal difference: -28 Photo: James Chance