Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Crystal Palace need to find the right balance in their squad.

The Eagles have 14 players that are 30 or older in their current squad, and with 15 of their first-team setup out of contract at the end of the season, it promises to be a crucial summer at Selhurst Park in terms of the playing staff, and the manager Roy Hodgson whose deal is also due to expire.

In contrast, Tyrick Mitchell and Eberechi Eze, who are 21 and 22 respectively, are the only regulars under the age of 25.

But whilst Bent believes that Palace could freshen up their squad, he recognises the importance of experience.

Despite their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Fulham's loss by the same scoreline at Chelsea has all but guaranteed the Eagles a ninth consecutive season in the Premier League.

Palace will be hoping to put an end to a run of three successive defeats and get over the 40-point mark when they face already-relegated Sheffield United at Bramall Lane next weekend.

Bent told Football FanCast:

"The trouble is, you've got the experienced pros in there, who are keeping you in the Premier League. If you start tweaking stuff, sometimes it can go wrong, so I'm not sure you want to change the whole team.

"But with several players coming to the end of their contracts, whether they stay or go, they're not going to get money for them.

"But you need experience, Cahill, that pro to direct you in the right way on and off the pitch. So I can't see massive changes on the pitch."