In my opinion, Chelsea is not the favorite for the season to win the Champions League, despite Chelsea's status as defending champion. For this season, there are many clubs that are more worthy of being candidates for the Champions League, because we can see their game in their own domestic league.
You must be new to the champions league then, when it comes to this league it doesn't matter whatever you're playing in your farmers league. The champions league is for champion and anybody playing there shouldn't be underestimated or you will end up been surprised and if not careful kicked out of the competition. The last time Chelsea won, we weren't the favorite as well so we won't be new to the whole discussion of not been the favorite to win.
Already we should be progressing to the next stage with ease as we already have a nice advantage with two goals deposit and currently winning games back to back. The likes of James is fit and should fixture which will help us in the right wing then we choice from the option available to filled the left wing.
Sometimes in the Champions League the determination of the team to be played against is also quite influential I think because sometimes there are some strong teams that must be faced even in the early stages. For example, when Madrid met PSG in the last 16 and indeed this would be like a big match which would indeed be a pity if one of the two big teams was thrown out early.
As for Chelsea at this time they still benefit from the opponent they have to fight because even though they are a strong team but in UCL they are not very superior.