A suspicion of what the result would be might have been derived from Marathon.

But there the Persians had been taken at a disadvantage, when the cavalry, their most important arm, was absent.
Here the error of Datis was not likely to be repeated.

Mardonius had a numerous and well-armed cavalry, which he handled with no little skill.
It remained to be seen, when the general engagement came, whether, with both arms brought fully into play, the vanquished at Marathon would be the victors.
The battle of Plataea was brought on under circumstances very unfavorable to the Greeks.

Want of water and a difficulty about provisions had necessitated a night movement on their part.

The cowardice of all the small contingents, and the obstinacy of an individual Spartan, disconcerted the whole plan of the operation, and left the Lacedaemonians and the Athenians at daybreak separated from each other, and deserted by the whole body of their allies.