Strategy for 1v2

Hi guys!

I often play with 2 friends. So it is a 2v1 game. But it's difficult to win. So I want to learn a strategy on which I can improve.

Which civ would you pick and what would be your strategy/build order (and why)?

We play the steam HD version without the add-ons. And mostly land maps.

Assume there is not a lot of feudal pressure from the other two players (maybe some scouts or random other stuff)