Definitely the albs are the natural counter to paladins, and someone should always prefer that option.
However I wanted to understand if I can engage in that fight or if it is a fight to escape from when possible.
Though in late wars pala > eew due to pop constraints.Knights > EW, Paladin > Aztec EEW, Mayan EEW > Paladin for cost effectiveness. And the Mayan gold lasts 20% longer so in effect they are even gold effective.