Cannonneers or Alchemists?

[trentjaspar]

I'm sure there are battles where one prevails over the other (presence of undead, thorns, gremlins, etc.) but is there any consensus of one being better, on average, than the other? It sounds like an opportunity for having both with one in reserve, though that's one less troop that can be kept in reserve...

Personally, I like the high Def and HPs of the Alchemist, as I try not to lose troops, but it can be troublesome to get them in position to use their basic attack. And from what I read, poison damage is bad-- though maybe that's more of an endgame phenomenon?

The range and talent of the Cannonneer seems attractive...