Suggestions for H2H factions vs Parthia in R2 DEI 1.2

A friend and I are about to be at each other's throats in DEI and I'd like a good match as he's playing Parthia. My first pick is Rome as I understand their tactics well but I'd like to know what other people would pick. I'm not looking to counter his forces exactly but more of a fair fight. Again this is for the 1.2 version of DEI. Thanks in advance!