To move beyond being relegation candidates you have to get points on the board first and stay up, and then build on it.
When we got relegated in out last premier season in 2004 ? we started with a fairly open system and was looking good until some untimely errors drained the confidence of the team . When Dowie finally changed the keeper and tightened us up after about six games we competed well and only went down by a point(or was it GD) so the opening six games where we dropped at least 4 to six points cost us dear.
This unprecedented five season stint we have been hampered by unfortunate enforced managerial changes that have prevented us from pushing on and establishing ourselves into the mid table comfort zone of say Southampton/Stoke/WBA.
So the question is if Frank's new system fails how long will he give before he changes it ? The players do know how to play 433 , but they will have to adjust back and get a win or two before the confidence comes back and the pressure lifts.
I am concerned that as Bexleydave says we have only signed a fringe Chelsea player on loan and a Dutch reserve and Frank will change it all with that.
I will be delighted as any Palace if he does , but the realist cannot help but be a tad concerned.
The Huddersfield game will tell us a lot , they will be fired up and know exactly what is expected of them and how to play , and having seen a 'Brave New World' start under Big Mal that saw us relegated to Div 3 I cannot just say 'It will be exciting and fine'

Like yourself MK, no one will be more delighted than me if our latest transition works like a charm. But I can't ignore the fact that this is the same team, albeit now with the two additions you mention (plus the two on the right and a DM), that went to pieces when we tried a similar transition in 2016. It's quite a leap of faith to believe that we're going to become this three-at-the back, winged-backed, maximum possession, pressing team in just six weeks. And as you also rightly point out, it's fine margins in the PL, where dropping points that you should have gained can be the difference between a comfortable finish and the trapdoor.

Bexley Dave

Can you hear the Brighton sing? I can't hear a ******* thing!

"The most arrogant, obnoxious bunch of deluded little sun tanned, loafer wearing mummy's boys I've ever had the misfortune of having to listen to" (Burnley forum)

Top level also means that we are developing the likes of Wilf, Keshi etc and are able to send them out on loan to Championship or smaller Premier League Clubs for experience or able to sell them for huge fees.
This we will be able to do when they are technically gifted and able.

I am amazed that any long term Palace supporter would not be skeptical about the prospect of a new system with this squad. We have heard big words so many times before and been disappointed.
If we get some new additions to the squad then possibly the new system might work. If not then there is no chance. Our defenders are not good enough when isolated our midfield do not have the athleticism to get up and down and 3--4-3 does not play to the strengths of Benteke, our most expensive player, and key source of goals last season.

Let the Palace rollercoaster begin again!!

I'm happy as long as FdB keeps us out of relegation battle, whatever system he is playing.

I totally agree Parchmore