I don't ever bother using counter formation, I just play with my formation whatever team I come across.
i used to play classic 4-4-2 until level 5 no matter what the opponents formation was. after that level i had to counter formations or stay empty handed. it works only if you have at least 1 star higher quality than the others. otherwise you will fail eventually.
Kyparissia FC
Level 35
28 Champions, 15 Champions League, 15 Cups, 2 Super Cup