The new Mexican Apertura season kicks off this weekend with America striker Alfredo Moreno desperate to start with a win against reigning champions Santos Laguna.
America host Santos at the Azteca stadium on Sunday in what will be Ramon Diaz's first competitive match in charge of the home side.
"I think that America are favorites as always," said Moreno. "Santos are a great team with very talented players. They are fast and have a strong defense.
"I think it is better for us to begin the campaign against the champions. We have to win and begin a new successful phase."
The competition is divided into three pools, with giants Guadalajara, Cruz Azul, Pumas, Morelia and Tecos joining America in Group B.
Group A comprises Santos Laguna, newly-promoted Indios, Monterrey, Atlante, Puebla and Pachuca, while Group C consists of Toluca, Tigres, Necaxa, San Luis, Jaguares and Atlas.
Monterry visit Puebla on Sunday and midfielder Luiz Perez knows his side face a daunting trip.
"They have very important players and a good team," he said. "They proved in the last tournament that they are a competitive side that reached their goal.
"Now, they have more experience and that makes them much more dangerous."
Cruz Azul midfielder Jaime Lozano is confident his team will beat Saturday's opponents Guadalajara.
"We have the same squad as last season with some reinforcements added," he said.
"The continuity of the team and the coaching team is an advantage. We are going to win."
Also on Saturday Atlante welcome Toluca, Tigres meet Pachuca, Indios face Tecos, San Luis host Morelia and Atlas take on Jaguares.
Pumas host Necaxa on Sunday.
