There is another factor that will influence the positions of these teams: the "EPL vs. City" case. The decision has been postponed once again and will probably take place in the summer. But even the weakest punishment (compared to the number of violations committed by City) will mean a deduction of points. This means that City are possibly the clear underdogs in this race. Even a 6-8 point penalty (Everton and Nottingham were penalised this way last season) would put them behind all their rivals.
That's wrong. It's unlikely City will get points deduction in summer. They're not clearly underdog because of this. Even if they get a charge, they can do appeal, which may be extending the case like another 12 months. It's impossible to think they will not play in the UCL next season.
The latest report is also saying how 115 charges of City is most likely getting another delay, which unlikely to be delivered before summer this year.