With 9 games left I think City still have a chance to get 1 ticket to UCL next season. I think it would be very strange if they fail to qualify for UCL next season. The scenario I am thinking is Nottingham Forest play badly in a few games so Chelsea and City qualify for UCL next season. However I don't think Nottingham Forest will let that happen. They have been impressive this season and of course they will not waste the chance to qualify for UCL. They will try hard to get some wins and secure their position in the top four this season.

City can secure UCL spot only if they will able to take three points from all of remaining fixtures. They must not miss even a game. I know it's hard to do, but their chance is getting bigger if they farm three points from all of upcoming fixtures.
Some of fixtures look so hard to beat like vs MU, vs Everton, vs Bournemouth, vs Villa, and lastly vs Fulham. They may be missing some points from those games. That's their hardest job in getting three points. It's their mandatory to secure UCL spot. I don't care what kind of strategy they will use, they have to farm three points.
If they failed to do that, no hope for them to get UCL spot.