I have counterattack and use Paladins and Knights, they usally take around 70 damage then deal 20'000 back.
(they both have 100% critical for counterattacks)
Of course that assumes anything is alive by the time they get a turn, I always go first (onslaught) my speed 6 Knights walk over and usually insta kill 3-4 stacks of the enemy.
Should any die, well that's what my Paladins and Inquisitors are there for.
Daniel.