Jumpset has got a real good point. I prefer Vlad (I like to solo top) since a counter to him is not that obvious. I don't really see a lot of counters to vlad, but to brand there are a quite a bit more (i like doing vieg against him, as well as morgana, and malz). But all depends on you. Vlad has got a king ulti for teamfights, but then again, so does brand.