Kitchener and Admiral Avis believed that Shire would launch a counteroffensive from Brussels, and they were prepared to collaborate with him in encircling the German Army.
Albert I, Major General Eden, and Fuxu also believed that Shire would attack from Brussels.
Albert I arrived in Brussels ahead of time, personally commanding the militia to gather intelligence and scout the German defenses for firepower and troop deployments.
In addition to holding Antwerp firmly, Major General Eden was responsible for organizing guerrilla units to harass and disrupt the German supply lines.
Fuxu, meanwhile, commanded French Army units at the River Somme and Verdun to launch counterattacks against the German Army, increasing the pressure so that they couldn't aid Belgium.
The Germans likewise believed that Shire would counterattack from Brussels.
Colonel Erwin was busy near the breakthrough point in the defensive line, trying to link the new German defenses with Leuven.
