>>766>>767
There is a difference between を and に. With を, the thing that comes before it bears little possibility of materialization. So what's expressed is more like hope than expectation or anticipation.
ゴジラの復活を期待する。
We are hopeful of Godzilla's return.
(fact: no more Godzilla movies planned.)
With に, the thing has been known to happen in the future certainly.
涼宮ハルヒのアメリカデビューに期待する。
We are looking forward to Haruhi Suzumiya's US debut.