Setting perceptual expectations can be based on different sources of information which determine the functional networks involved in implementing preparatory top-down influences and dealing with situations in which expectations are violated. The present study addressed the process of forming and violating expectations based on information of different origin, type and specificity. In the serial prediction task participants monitored ordered perceptual sequences for predefined sequential deviants, while the target detection task entailed a presentation of stimuli which had to be monitored for predefined non-sequential deviants. Detection of sequential deviants triggered an increase of activity in lateral and mesial premotor and cerebellar areas which were initially supporting regular sequence processing. This pattern of activity is suggested to reflect detection of a mismatch between the expected and presented stimuli and updating of the underlying sequence representation (i.e. forward model). Presented violations additionally triggered activations in frontal areas initially not involved in sequence processing, reflecting the subsequent elaboration of the violation. In contrast, detecting non-sequential deviants triggered primarily bilateral activations within parietal and posterior temporal areas with an additional involvement of right superior and middle frontal gyrus, reflecting an increase in perceptual and attentional processing evoked by the non-sequential deviant. The results of the presented study indicate involvement of distinct networks in detecting different types of deviants which primarily reflect the nature of expectations being violated.