There is one scenario I can think of as to how Manchester City could secure a chance to make the playoffs and that is their win against Club Brugge and PSG's win against Stuttgart. If both win, Manchester City will automatically qualify for the playoffs and might win a ticket to the round of 16.
I also don't expect Manchester City to fail any quicker than in previous seasons. They must be able to ensure themselves to qualify for the round of 16 and fight to win every ticket to the next stage, but this is also not easy. Manchester City have been very inconsistent with their performance so far, but their performance in the Premier League is starting to improve and this will probably affect their performance in the Champions League as well.
Manchester City is winless in last four games in Champions League while their defeat against PSG was humiliating which give them setback and also put them out of 24 now after watching league table they are having only one chance of qualification into next round is won.
Three teams from league table have chance of promotion Manchester City, Zagreb and Shakhtar Donetsk from these Manchester City and Zagreb needs to win their games while Shakhtar Donetsk also depended on other results as well but good advantage for Manchester City they are playing at home with Zagreb is also having challenge at home AC Milan. While Shakhtar Donetsk going to visit Borussia Dortmund which is surely not easy place for them just because of this situation is problematic few 4 bottom teams all others are in safe zone but few results surely going to have surprises for fans.