Evergrande became the first Chinese Super League club to win the ACL when they defeated Seoul 3-3 in the final on the away-goals rule and after further strengthening their squad in the lead-up to the 2014 season, Marcello Lippi's side will be expected to challenge again this year.
While Evergrande have seen Argentine playmaker Dario Conca depart for Fluminense, the capture of Italy international Alessandro Diamanti from Bologna has made waves in global football.
Elkeson has scored 24 goals in 28 appearances since joining Evergrande in December 2012, while Muriqui was the leading goalscorer and MVP in last year's ACL.
Victory could not face a tougher opening group-stage fixture than the trip to Guangzhou with the A-League club only having qualified for Group G on February 15 when they defeated Thailand's Muangthong United 2-1 in a play-off.
In the other Group G match, South Korea's Jeonbuk Motors will host Yokohama F Marinos of Japan.
Last year's runners-up, Seoul, will begin their 2014 ACL campaign on Tuesday at home against Australian champions Central Coast Mariners in Group F, while J. League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima will host Beijing Guoan.
Iran's Esteghlal are the only other team that made the 2013 semi-finals that are involved in this year's competition, and they will start on Tuesday against Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia in Group A.
In Group B, Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor will travel to Al Fateh of Saudi Arabia and Qatari club El Jaish will host Foolad of Iran, while in Group C, Al Ain face Lekhwiya and Tractor Sazi are up against Al Ittihad.
