Perrin was sacked by Lyon last June despite leading them to a record seventh successive title and their first domestic double.
"To be sacked is part of the job and I'll go back to Lyon without resentment but it will be a special occasion," he told reporters.
St Etienne overshadowed the club of France's second city in the 1960s and 1970s when they claimed a record 10 titles. But they then faded away and only climbed back to the top flight in 2004 just as Lyon were fast becoming the Ligue 1 superpower.
Lyon's lead at the top has been cut to one point by Girondins Bordeaux after three successive draws at home.
"We are losing too many points at home. We must re-establish our domination," playmaker Juninho was quoted as saying after they were held 1-1 by midtable Lorient earlier this month.
Lyon's title rivals also play on Sunday. Bordeaux, on a run of seven games without defeat, host seventh-placed Lille while third-placed Olympique Marseille, four points behind Lyon, travel to lowly Sochaux.
