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Following the successes in Italy and along the Rhine, Louis XIV was now hopeful of similar results in Flanders.
Far from standing on the defensive therefore – and unbeknown to Marlborough – Louis XIV was persistently goading his marshal into action.
" began to imagine ," wrote St Simon, " that the King doubted his courage, and resolved to stake all at once in an effort to vindicate himself.
" Accordingly, on 18 May, Villeroi set off from Leuven at the head of 70 battalions, 132 squadrons and 62 cannon – comprising an overall force of some 60, 000 troops – and crossed the river Dyle to seek battle with the enemy.
Spurred on by his growing confidence in his ability to out-general his opponent, and by Versailles ’ determination to avenge Blenheim, Villeroi and his generals anticipated success.

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