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Cape Town - Manchester United will aim to maintain their progress through the Europa League when they host Saint-Etienne in the first leg of their last-32 tie on Thursday.
The Red Devils head into the clash on a good run of form, having won three of their last four games, while losing only once in 22 fixtures across all competitions.
Jose Mourinho's side thrashed Leicester 3-0 before securing a 2-0 victory over Watford on Saturday, maintaining sixth position in the Premier League standings.
The French club has struggled for some consistency over the last few weeks, winning two and losing two of their last four encounters.
After being knocked out of the Coupe de France by Auxerre, ASSE beat Lyon, lost to Nice and, most recently, trounced Lorient in Ligue 1, where they now occupy fifth place.
Saint-Etienne have never won in England, while United are unbeaten against French opposition when playing at home.
United will be without the services of James Wilson, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick, and Wayne Rooney. Luke Shaw could be handed a rare start under Mourinho, with Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini possibly returning to the starting XI.
Mourinho told a press conference: "Phil is still recovering from the injury of the Wigan match. Wayne and Michael are, I don't want to say injured, because I don't think we are talking about injuries.
"We are speaking about little muscular problem and protection of these problems, so all three are out tomorrow and, apart from that, everything is alright."
Meanwhile, Les Verts look set to head into the game without striker Robert Beric, who has a hamstring problem, and the injured right winger Oussama Tannane.
