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The three Brazilian clubs who have yet to kick-off Libertadores host home matches this week, providing us with our first glimpse of Corinthians' centenary-year run at the Americas' title.

Corinthians famously signed Ronaldo last summer and have brought Robert Carlos back from Europe.  Along with Matias Defederico they have bolstered the people's team, leading many to regard them as tournament favorites.

Defederico, his acquisition overshadowed, will be key, combining with Jorge Henrique to provide consistency to the attack.  With Ronaldo's fitness making him a constant question mark, the former Huracán midfielder will need to form a partnership with Henrique - and possibly newly-acquired Iarley (from Goías) or starlet Dentinho - to make sure the team does not get derailed should another injury befall their marquee player.

Corinthians have a relatively easy group, play in which starts tonight in São Paulo against Racing Club or Uruguay, a first round qualifier.  Their other competition in this group:  Colombian champions Independiente (Medellín) and Cerro Porteño (Paraguay).

More Libertadores thoughts, after the jump.

Flamengo's play since last summer justified the lead of this piece, but as spectacular as Adriano has been, he does not have the charm of Ronaldo, which a shame because he is far more dangerous.  Adriano's physicality, a problem for even the most stout European defense, is impossible for South American sides to deal with.  At least, it has been, since the former Inter striker assimilated into the team last summer.  

Since then, Flamengo has been the continent's best team, and unless an opposing coach can figure out how to counter Adriano's influence, Flamengo could be too strong for this tournament.

Internacional, who also starts Libertadores play tonight, sees their strength lie a little deeper in the formation.  By now even the most Euro-centric of football fans has tangentially heart of Sandro - the 20 year old midfielder who was withheld (by his club) from the U-20 World Cup and spent the winter campaigning for a move to Tottenham (with whom Inter has a working agreement).  Sandro provides a potentially decisive physical presence in the middle.  

Along with Andrezinho, Pablo Guiñazu and fellow U-20 star Giuliano, Sandro forms one of the better midfields you'll see in this tournament (particularly if Guiliano play to expectations).

Inter has looked steady in the Gaucho, and with the recent acquisition of Pato Abbondanzieri in goal could be a dark horse one season after many picked them to win the Serie A.

Inter starts their Copa on Tuesday night, hosting Ecuador's Emelec.  Flamengo is at home Wednesday against a good Universidad Católica team.

This week's other Copa matchups:

Tuesday

Deportivo Italia (VEN) vs. Vélez Sarsfield (ARG)

Internacional (BRA) vs. Emelec (ECU)

Morelia (MEX) vs. Nacional (URU)

Wednesday

Juan Aurich (PER) vs. Bolivar (BOL)

Cruziero (BRA) vs. Colo Colo (CHI)

Corinthians (BRA) vs. Racing Club (URU)

Flamengo (BRA) vs. Universidad Católica (HI)

Monterrey (MEX) vs. Nacional (PAR)

Thursday

Blooming (BOL) vs. Lanús (ARG)

Once Caldas (COL) vs. São Paulo (BRA)

Universitario (PER) vs. Libertad (PAR)