Taking the initative is always advisable. Especially if you havent versed them before. Like mcnuggets said play how you are comfortable. The better you get at your play style the easier it is to put them in a position you are farmiliar with and they are not. Ideally youll be able to flow back and foward between the two.
Also if neither a counter or an offensive action be an option. In these i work for position. I work for a safety position like a step crab,or a tripod if i am already safe i want to work on getting my cog close to and under my opponent's cog.