I *like* the oval (to be fair I'm drawn to sapphires at the dark and light end of the spectrum, not just the "perfect" middle), but I like the EC MORE. I also think the contrast with the EC and the rounds is interesting.
I like the EC -- by a mile in the first set of pics but still the clear winner in the second set. It faces up smaller -- I get that. It's also a more interesting shape -- oval is my least favorite for blues. Well, after round, that is.
Know that you will be looking at it 100X a day so what really matters is which one you love, not which one is "better." I learned that I do not love report-proven perfect-color royal blue -- I like a much brighter, more vibrant blue like your EC in the initial set of photos.
I love oval and cushion cut sapphires but when comparing these two, the Emerald Cut appears to be the prettier stone. I can appreciate that you prefer darker sapphires but I think this oval would leave you disappointed once set.