Gandalf vs. Sauron

[the phantom]

Of the others only Gandalf might be expected to master [Sauron]--being an emissary of the Powers and a creature of the same order, an immortal spirit taking a visible physical form.

This quote gets used a lot but is it that meaningful? I have a problem with that quote that focuses on the use of the word "expected".

First, saying "expected" requires an opinion- the opinion of the people who are doing the expecting if you get my meaning. Tolkien did not say "Gandalf might beat Sauron", he said "Gandalf might be expected to beat Sauron". This requires the presence of an opinion on whether or not Gandalf could defeat Sauron. Tolkien is commenting on this opinion.

Tolkien then gives a reason for this opinion- "being an emissary of the Powers and a creature of the same order".

So the quote seems to mean "Gandalf is an Ainu just like Sauron and he was sent by the Powers to challenge Sauron so he is someone who people might expect to master Sauron."

It does not say "Gandalf would beat Sauron", "Gandalf might beat Sauron", or even "Gandalf has a slight chance at beating Sauron". It simply says "Gandalf might be expected to beat Sauron".

Expectations can be wrong.

And also, notice the "might". That certainly does not lend strength to the quote.

The quote does not seem to be particularly solid so its importance should be lessened.