The difference is subtle, but here's how I understand it, - expectation = predicting or looking forward to a future event - usually a rational thought process. - anticipation = expecting, or having an advance sensation or (imagined) experience of a future event - it can be more emotional or instinctive than an expectation. If you have a special sensation (shiver, elation, etc) when you think about something, "anticipation" is probably the better word for it. Expectation usually happens in your head, in a more rational way. So "anticipation" seems to have a poetic side that "expectation" lacks. It can imply longingly wanting something to happen. For example, there is a song titled "Anticipation" ("... Anticipation / Is making me late / Is keeping me waiting ..."), but "Expectation" is probably too boring for a song title.

Anticipation (n) The act of anticipating, taking up, placing, or considering something beforehand, or before the proper time in natural order. Expectation (n) The act or state of expecting or looking forward to an event as about to happen.