South America's Champions League kicks off to the glee of football aficionados the world over. Who's hot who's not and who do you think will go the distance?

Last year was the year that River Plate underperformed spectacularly and Boca took the prize while minnows Cucuta overachieved and Caracas won in Buenos Aires. What suprises will 2008's Copa Libertadores bring?

Argentina –

Boca Juniors, Estudiantes, San Lorenzo, River Plate, Arsenal and Lanus.

Boca Juniors will be looking to pick up where they left off after an historic sixth trophy in the 2007 and tournament and attempt to equal Independiente’s record of seven. Always a threat, River Plate will have all guns blazing spurred on by their bitter city rival’s triumph and their own inability to make a mark in the competition since 1996 when they were winners.

Bolivia –

Real Potosi, San Jose, La Paz FC

Bolivian teams are going to be, as usual, the also rans. The sad state of Bolivian football, the lack of investment and infrastructure will continue to hinder their progress. Perhaps this tournament can unearth some unknown talent in Bolivia. Their only credible hope is the high altitude card which could see La Paz FC and Real Potosi earn invaluable home points versus superior, yet lowland, opposition.

Brazil –

Fluminense, Sao Paolo, Santos, Flamengo, Cruzeiro

In the last decade, while Argentine teams have run away with the prize, the tournament has been inundated by Brazilian finalists, 10 in all. Never write off any Brazilian side, they have strength in depth and can turn on the flair when it is required of them. Watch out for exciting youngsters from Santos and the traditional powerhouse of Sao Paolo.

Chile –

Colo Colo, Audax Italiano, Universidad Catolica

Can this be the year that Colo Colo convert league superiority into glory in the Copa Libertadores and repeat their win in 1991? Given the major gaps in quality in the domestic league there is unlikely to be any real challenge mounted by other Chilean sides.

Colombia –

Atletico Nacional, Cucuta, Boyaca Chico

Colombian teams have won the Copa only twice but have shown remarkably maturity of late. Minnows Once Caldas won in 2004 and another provincial side – the vastly unfashionable - Cucuta reached the semi finals in last year’s competition. Watch out for Atletico Nacional of Medellin who can beat anyone on their day.

Ecuador –

LDU, Deportivo Olmedo, Deportivo Cuenca

Ecuadorian teams are not, on the whole, poor value for money. The Ecuadorian sides may have incredible fan bases and are fearless when playing at home. Unfortunately not one of the teams has ever really travelled well, a problem that is likely to continue. The best they can hope for is qualifying for the second round.

Mexico –

Guadalajara and two others to be named.

The Mexican league is nothing to be scoffed at; it has strength and depth and is full of passion and skill. The only probable cause that a Mexican team has not walked away with South America’s most coveted prize is due to their hectic schedules and dramatic travel routines for the competition. Could this be the year?

Paraguay –

Sportivo Luqueno, Libertad, Cerro Porteno

There would be long odds betting on a Paraguayan team winning the Cup, but teams like Cerro Porteno and Libertad are stubborn and tough to break down. Their use of Guarani instead of Spanish between the players confounds all opposition. Expect them to be solid in defence and strong on the break.

Peru –

Universidad San Martin de Porres, Cienciano, Coronel Bolognesi

Peruvian teams are afflicted with the very same issues as those in Bolivia. There is a lack of investment and the league needs an overhaul. A Peruvian team has never won – the closest have been finalists Universitario in 1972 and Sporting Cristal in 1997 – and the safe money would be on no Peruvian side going further than the group stage.

Uruguay –

Danubio, Nacional, Wanderers

For a tiny country in the big continent, Uruguay has the ability to turn out strong sides year in year out. With some luck going their way and a favourable draw, who knows what Nacional and Danubio can pull out of the hat?

Venezuela –

Caracas, Maracaibo, Minero de Guayana

Venezuelan football has made incredible progress in recent years and 2007’s Copa America will have raised the football’s profile in the country but it will always remain second behind the national sport of Baseball. Last year most notably Caracas reached the second round and notched up a win away in Buenos Aires versus the underperforming powerhouse of River Plate. Any repeat of last year’s overachieving will unlikely be repeated.