Despite the absence of Luis Fabiano, the highly-fancied Brazilians count with sufficient talent to return to Brazil with the three points.
Sao Paulo, one of Brazil's most successful clubs, will rate their chances of picking up the three points when they travel to Ecuador to do battle with hosts Liga de Loja at the Reina del Cisne stadium on Wednesday.
The Tricolor Paulista have found little success in both the domestic and international scene in recent years, but will be hoping to change their image with a strong performance in the Round of 16 stage of the Copa Sudamericana.
However, Sao Paulo will have to do without the services of star striker Luis Fabiano. The Brazilian international picked up an injury in a recent outing.
Despite his absence, the three-time world champions count with plenty of quality in their squad with the likes of Lucas Moura, Jadson, Wellington, Denilson and veteran goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.
Sao Paulo fans will still have to wait for their $12 million signing, Paulo Henrique Ganso, to make his official debut.
The Brazilians come into the tie as the overwhelming favourites, but it would be a big mistake for them to underestimate the ever-improving Ecuadorians.
Liga advanced to this instance of the competition following their surprise victory over Uruguayan giants Nacional. Liga went through on the away goals rule after inflicting a heroic 2-1 defeat upon Nacional in Montevideo last week.
Paul Velez, the coach of Liga de Loja, believes that if his troops manage to overcome the Brazilians they will complete "the other half of the glory."
Wednesday's Copa Libertadores action also brings together another exciting match-up between teams from the same two nations, with Barcelona de Guayaquil up against Gremio of Porto Alegre at the Estadio Monumental.
The Tricolor Paulista have found little success in both the domestic and international scene in recent years, but will be hoping to change their image with a strong performance in the Round of 16 stage of the Copa Sudamericana.
However, Sao Paulo will have to do without the services of star striker Luis Fabiano. The Brazilian international picked up an injury in a recent outing.
Despite his absence, the three-time world champions count with plenty of quality in their squad with the likes of Lucas Moura, Jadson, Wellington, Denilson and veteran goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.
Sao Paulo fans will still have to wait for their $12 million signing, Paulo Henrique Ganso, to make his official debut.
The Brazilians come into the tie as the overwhelming favourites, but it would be a big mistake for them to underestimate the ever-improving Ecuadorians.
Liga advanced to this instance of the competition following their surprise victory over Uruguayan giants Nacional. Liga went through on the away goals rule after inflicting a heroic 2-1 defeat upon Nacional in Montevideo last week.
Paul Velez, the coach of Liga de Loja, believes that if his troops manage to overcome the Brazilians they will complete "the other half of the glory."
Wednesday's Copa Libertadores action also brings together another exciting match-up between teams from the same two nations, with Barcelona de Guayaquil up against Gremio of Porto Alegre at the Estadio Monumental.
